Blog

Learning Center

We keep you up-to-date with all the latest tax news and changes in the industry.

Maximizing Wealth: Tax Strategies for High-Income Couples

Success brings rewards, but without the right tax plan, it also brings hefty tax bills. For dual-income power couples, the IRS has a way of turning your achievements into unexpected payments.

As you bask in your career triumphs, a surprise tax bill can jolt you back to reality, making you ask:

“Why do we owe so much when we're earning so well?”

The Dual-Income Tax Dilemma: Navigating Complexities

When both partners thrive financially, it's common to think taxes are automatically sorted. Yet, without a holistic view, you risk missing crucial details:

  • Facing phaseouts, like the Child Tax Credit or educational deductions.

  • Exceeding the $250K threshold for the Medicare surtax (3.8%).

  • Losing deductions you previously enjoyed.

  • Underpaying, leading to penalties.

  • Getting blindsided by stock options or bonuses without proper planning.

According to the Tax Foundation, households earning $250K-$500K often face the harshest marginal tax impacts due to lost deductions and additional taxes.

Strategic Tax Planning: More Than Just Annual Filing

Fortunately, there are legitimate ways to reduce your tax burden, putting more income back in your pocket:

1. Leverage Retirement Contributions to Your Advantage

401(k), HSA, and Backdoor Roth IRA accounts offer tax-deferred growth and deductions. Coordinate contributions across employers to seize substantial savings.

2. Utilize a Dependent Care FSA

Even high earners can benefit by saving up to $5,000 tax-free for child care, impacting your taxes before hitting the highest bracket.

3. Explore Spousal Income Shifts

Restructuring income sources, particularly for freelance or investment income, can reveal planning options. It's entirely within the bounds of tax law.

4. Adjust Withholding Before Year-End

A common misstep among prosperous couples. Without adjusting your W-4s, exceeding $300K in combined income may lead to IRS penalties.

Tailored Tax Planning for Professionals

Tax software lacks the nuances necessary for dual-income W-2 households. While tax prep reports history, planning ensures a future of reduced obligations.

Éclat Enterprises specializes in assisting six-figure earners—be it from tech, law, medicine, or real estate—to:

  • Uncover hidden deductions.

  • Navigate the intricacies of multiple income streams.

  • Prevent underpayment penalties.

  • Ensure fair tax contributions are made.

Seeking Expert Guidance?

If this scenario resonates—or if the 2024 tax season seems daunting—let’s examine your tax strategy together. We can assess past returns, evaluate recent changes, and spot planning opportunities while there's still time.

Contact Éclat Enterprises to arrange a consultation at your convenience.

Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.

Butler Location

12714 W. Hampton Ave, Unit F
Butler, Wisconsin 53007
(414) 509-1626

Milwaukee Location

Remote
Milwaukee, WI 53217