WealthChannel Academy

Just as individual investors can use the tax code to boost their returns, savvy real estate developers can maximize returns to their investors by identifying all credits and incentives available to them. Barrett Linburg joins Michael to discuss how his firm uses a number of different incentives in the Texas multifamily market to generate superior risk-adjusted returns while maintaining low risk pr...

Michael Johnston of Tax Efficient Investor answers some of the most commonly asked questions about tax efficient investing, include listener queries about Roth IRAs, 529 Plans, and more. This episode was originally recorded live on September 20, 2023.

Donor advised funds (DAFs) are gaining in popularity as a way for business owners to minimize their tax burden while also supporting meaningful causes. Kim Ledger and Joe Gianforte join Michael to discuss how High Net worth Investors can use DAFs most efficiently, including to minimize the tax impact from a business sale.

Custodial accounts can be a great way to get around estate taxes, especially in states with limits significantly below the federal threshold. UTMAs can offer some marginal short-term tax savings, but lack many of the advantages of 529s when it comes to saving for college. Alvin Carlos of District Capital Management joins Michael to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of opening a custodial account...

For many investors, accumulating assets is relatively easy and straightforward. What can be a lot harder is the process of de-accumulation. David Graham joins Michael to discuss the tax arbitrage opportunities available to investors who strategically place asset classes, use ETFs instead of mutual funds, and harvest capital gains at opportune times.

There's a compelling case to be made for farmland as part of a long term portfolio. There are also some potentially significant tax advantages associated with this asset class. Josh Guggenheim, VP of Acquisitions at Gold Leaf Farming, joins Michael to discuss four tax strategies being used to maximize returns to investors.

In 2023, investors are able to put $66,000 into their 401(k) or 403(b) plans. But most contribute less than half of that, even if they have sufficient income. Kelley Long joins Michael to discuss the Mega Backdoor Roth, a strategy for making after tax contributions to a qualified plan and then immediately converting to a Roth account in a nontaxable event.

We've all come across tax savings strategies that seem too good to be true. Where should investors go from there? Andrew Gradman, a tax attorney in Southern California, joins Michael to discuss why it's important to cultivate a healthy sense of skepticism when dealing with tax professionals and tax strategies.

A self directed IRA (SDIRA) can provide high net worth investors with access to a number of alternative asset classes in tax-sheltered retirement accounts.   Kaaren Hall, founder and CEO of uDirect IRA Services, joins Michael to discuss the use cases she sees for investors and techniques to avoid the most common mistakes made with SDIRAs.

For investors holding highly appreciated company stock in their 401k plan, taking advantaged of Net Unrealized Appreciation rules can mean significant tax savings. Tyler Miller joins Michael to discuss the ins and outs of the NUA treatment and the importance of planning for tax efficient withdrawals before and during retirement.

Many high net worth investors are familiar with the tax savings potential associated with real estate. Oil and gas investments can unlock even more valuable tax benefits. Sarah Sullivan, CEO at SuGo Capital, joins Michael to discuss why oil and gas investments feature unique tax incentives and how high earners can benefit from significant write-offs in early years.

Starting a Roth IRA for your child might be one of the smartest investing moves a parent can make, but most of us fail to do so. Chris Carosa joins Michael to discuss the benefits of the Child IRA, including strategies for generating sufficient earned income to contribute and recommendations for getting started.

Puerto Rico's unique status as a U.S. territory with Commonwealth status has created a number of significant tax opportunities. Jose Torres, founder and managing partner at Monllor Capital Partners, joins Michael to discuss the various incentives in place for both individual investors moving to Puerto Rico and businesses that are established or expanding on the island.

Conservation easements have historically been a popular investment vehicle for high earners looking to generate offsets to taxable income. Recent changes to the tax code have curtailed use of conservation easements, but continued to incentivize the preservation of historic buildings. Steve Austin, co-founder and partner at American Revitalization Company, joins Michael to discuss how his firm is p...

By allowing investors to defer and eliminate large capital gains, Opportunity Zones may just be the greatest tax incentive ever created. Jimmy Atkinson joins the show to discuss how OZs can help High Net Worth investors who have experienced a large capital gain event. Jimmy also discuses the important factors to consider when evaluating potential OZ investments, and some of the common mistakes tha...

For some investors, converting from a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA can create significant tax efficiencies. But the calculation depends on a number of factors, and the answer isn't the same for everyone. Michael Johnston takes a deep dive into this topic, explaining the "levers" that determine whether an investors is better off doing a conversion or staying with their Traditional IRA.

Beyond the potential returns, real estate offers numerous ways for investors to enhance the tax efficiency of their portfolios. Andy Hagans joins Michael to discuss the three primary tax benefits of investing in real estate as an LP and provide a framework for completing diligence on potential investments.

401k plans are the workhorse of many retirement portfolios, allowing investors to accumulate significant wealth in a tax-protected account. Many entrepreneurs and small business owners are missing out on a massive wealth creation opportunity by failing to establish a Solo 401k. Andy Hagans joins Michael to discuss who is allowed to use a Solo 401k, run the numbers om creating $1 million in tax eff...

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are one of the most tax efficient accounts available today, boasting rare triple tax advantaged status. For some High Net Worth Investors, these accounts may be used as a "stealth" way to max out retirement savings. Andy Hagans joins Michael to discuss who can and should use HSAs, key considerations when setting up and administering an HSA, and common mistakes that c...

The Roth IRA is an incredibly tax efficient investment account, but most high earners are not allowed to make contributions directly. Fortunately, there’s a “back door” into the Roth IRA that can enable many High Net Worth investors to shift assets every year into this tax sheltered account. Andy Hagans joins Michael to discuss who should be doing a Backdoor Roth, the step-by-step process for exec...

A brand new podcast from WealthChannel. On the Tax Efficient Investor Podcast, we show you how to protect, grow, and transfer your wealth by implementing tax-advantaged investment strategies. Host Michael Johnston demystifies tax strategies that are favored by the most successful and sophisticated investors, including 1031 exchanges, IRA & 401k plans, HSA accounts, trusts, real estate, and more.