Hidden Money Podcast

If you’re a W-2 earner, you’ve probably heard you must qualify as a “Real Estate Professional” to use rental losses against your income. In this episode, Mike and Kevin break down why that’s not the rule for short-term rentals, and what actually matters instead.We walk through:The 7-day rule (how STRs are defined for tax purposes)Why Real Estate Professional (REP) status doesn’t apply to most STR planningThe one lever that does matter: material participationHow STRs and long-term rentals are treated differently (and why you can’t “group” them)The documentation/timesheet mindset that keeps this strategy defensibleA smart, real-world scenario: using an STR in year one for tax strategy, then transitioning to a long-term rental (without turning it into a taxable event)If you’re considering an Airbnb/VRBO purchase specifically for tax strategy, or you’re trying to understand the difference between REP vs material participation, this one makes it crystal clear.If you want help building a STR tax plan that fits your income, properties, and time constraints, connect with our team at https://www.revotaxpayer.com/

Bought the rentals first and thinking about tax strategy second? You’re not behind.In this episode of the Hidden Money Podcast, CPAs Mike Pine and Kevin Schneider continue the short-term rental series by answering a question they hear constantly: “I already own rentals… did I miss my chance?”They explain why material participation is tested year-by-year, how investors can potentially use cost segregation and catch-up depreciation after the fact, and why many people are unknowingly leaving “chips on the table” even if they’ve owned properties for years.They also tackle the biggest fear around accelerated depreciation, depreciation recapture, and walk through several ways investors plan around it (including 1031 exchanges, tax planning in the year of sale, and opportunity zone strategies). Plus, they break down why high-income W-2 earners may need different timing due to excess business loss limits.If you’ve been told “there’s nothing you can do,” this episode will show you why that answer is often wrong and what to explore next.Schedule a consultation today: RevoTaxpayer.com

Material participation is the make-or-break rule behind the short-term rental tax strategy... and the first thing the IRS looks at in an audit.In this episode of the Hidden Money Podcast, CPAs Mike Pine and Kevin Schneider explain what “material participation” actually means, why it determines whether STR losses can legally offset W-2 or business income, and how to document your involvement in a way that holds up under scrutiny. They break down the key IRS tests (including the 500-hour safe harbor and the 100-hour “more than anyone else” rule), what counts as participation, and the common mistakes that cause taxpayers to lose the deduction or create bigger problems than they expected.If you’re a short-term rental investor, high-income earner, or business owner using real estate for tax strategy, this episode will help you protect the benefit and stay on the right side of the rules.In this episode, we cover:Why material participation is the cornerstone of STR audit defenseThe IRS tests that determine active vs. passive treatmentHow to build proof with time logs, calendars, texts, and emailsWhy reconstructed or “too perfect” logs can backfirePractical steps to track participation without overcomplicating itWant help building a defensible strategy? Get a free consultation at https://www.revotaxpayer.com/

Most short-term rental buyers assume they need 20–25% down and a traditional investment loan. But what if that assumption is costing you deals, cash flow, and tax leverage?In this episode of the Hidden Money Podcast, Mike and Kevin sit down with STR lending expert Jeff Chisum to break down how short-term rental financing really works  including the 10% down second-home loan strategy many investors overlook.They unpack how the right financing structure can dramatically improve cash-on-cash returns, how tax strategy and lending strategy must work together, and why “expensing everything” on your tax return can actually hurt your ability to qualify for future loans.If you’re buying your first Airbnb or scaling a short-term rental portfolio, this episode could change how you think about funding your next property.In this episode, you’ll learn:• How 10% down STR loans work • Second home vs investment property loan differences • Why some CPAs accidentally hurt lending approval • How depreciation affects loan qualification • How smart investors scale STR portfoliosHidden Money isn’t about risky loopholes, it’s about understanding the rules and using them strategically.Learn more about proactive tax strategy at Revotaxpayer.com Subscribe for weekly insights on tax, wealth, and financial strategy

Most people pay more tax than they legally owe, not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because they don’t have a real tax strategy. In this episode of the Hidden Money Podcast, CPAs Mike Pine and Kevin Schneider introduce a brand-new tool: a Free Tax Assessment that helps you quickly spot the gaps in your current approach and uncover where you may be leaving money on the table.In about 10 minutes, you’ll answer a simple set of questions (no pressure, “open book” style) and get a clear tax score that highlights your biggest opportunities, whether you’re a W-2 earner, a business owner, or both. You’ll also learn why “meeting your CPA once a year” often leads to missed strategies, and why proactive planning puts you back in control of your results.In this episode, we cover:How to tell if you’re overpaying taxes (and what to do about it)Why a written tax strategy matters more than a verbal planKey questions that reveal your biggest planning gapsThe difference between “tax preparation” and tax strategyHow business owners and W-2 earners should think differentlyWhy “AI-built tax plans” can be risky, and how to stay compliant and confidentHow real estate questions (bonus depreciation, cost segregation, ownership structure) impact your strategyTake the Free Tax Assessment and find your tax saving opportunities at www.revotaxpayer.com/ai-tax-assessmentIf you’ve ever wondered, “Am I paying too much tax?” this episode is your starting line.

Want to pay less tax legally without gimmicks or sketchy shortcuts? In this episode of the Hidden Money Podcast, we break down 5 overlooked tax strategies that can put real money back in your pocket, whether you’re a W-2 earner, business owner, or investor.Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers miss out on billions in tax credits simply because they don’t know what to claim. In this episode we walk through practical, real-world moves that clients use to lower taxable income, capture credits, and stop overpaying.Timing strategies - front-loading expenses, prepaying, and “bunching” deductionsEntity structuring - why an LLC isn’t a tax strategy—and what might beTax-advantaged investing - 401(k), IRA, Roth options, HSA, and moreEstimated tax mistakes - how overpaying can cost you money and flexibility....and the #1 overlooked strategy, working with a true tax strategist. If you’ve ever thought “it is what it is” about taxes… this episode is your wake-up call.Follow the show for more tax planning, deductions, credits, and wealth-building strategies hidden in the tax code.Share this episode with someone who’s probably overpaying and visit https://www.revotaxpayer.com/https://www.revotaxpayer.com/ for a free consulation!#TaxPlanning #PayLessTax #TaxStrategies #TaxStrategy #CPA #SmallBusinessTaxes #PersonalFinance

Want your tax refund faster, and less risk of someone filing in your name? In this episode of Hidden Money, Mike and Kevin break down why filing early (and filing electronically) can put your money back in your pocket in Q1, not months later.They also unpack a growing issue: tax-related identity theft, where fraudsters file a return using your Social Security number before you do then disappear with the refund. You’ll learn simple, practical steps to protect yourself, streamline your document gathering, and make tax season feel less like a scramble.In this episode, we cover:Why filing early + e-filing speeds up refundsThe “interest-free loan” you might be giving the governmentHow refund fraud happens (and why procrastination increases risk)A smarter way to gather and send your tax documentsOne extra protection step: an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)If you’re tired of the stress, the last-minute chaos, or watching your refund arrive way too late... this one’s for you.Next step: If you want a proactive plan to keep more of what you earn, schedule a consult with the Revo Tax team: https://www.revotaxpayer.com/

Taxes don’t have to feel like a mystery tax you pay for being busy.In this Hidden Money episode, Mike Pine and Kevin Schneider break down why good bookkeeping and clean records aren’t just “admin”... they’re one of the fastest ways to keep more of what you earn. If you’re growing a business but avoiding the “bean counting” until tax time, this conversation is your wake-up call (without the guilt trip).You’ll hear why sloppy books can quietly cost you tens of thousands, how clean records make tax planning possible, and why outsourcing the bookkeeping can be one of the highest-ROI decisions a business owner makes.In this episode, we cover:Why recordkeeping directly impacts how much tax you end up payingThe “we don’t even know what you make” problem (and how it kills tax strategy)A simple way to think about bookkeeping: routine maintenance vs. a painful cleanupWhy banks and the IRS ask for the same things and what happens when you can’t produce themThe real cost of “saving money” by skipping a bookkeeperWant help getting your records in order?Visit revotaxpayer.com or revoyourbooks.com to schedule a consultation.Hidden Money Podcast - practical tax strategy for business owners and high earners who want to keep more of what they make.

It’s the end of the year, and while year-round planning is the goal, there’s still a move that can make a real difference right now: prepaid expenses.In this episode of The Hidden Money Podcast, CPAs Mike Pine and Kevin Schneider explain how cash-basis taxpayers (which includes most individuals and small businesses) can use prepaying certain normal, recurring bills to increase deductions in a high-income year... without creating fake expenses.They break down the 12-month benefit rule, common examples (rent, insurance, phone, internet, software), the risks of prepaying the wrong vendors, and why this strategy can become a year-end “train” you need to plan your way off. You’ll also hear how prepaid expenses can pair with bunching (doubling up itemized deductions like property taxes and charitable giving) to maximize your tax outcome.If you’ve ever wondered why people negotiate everything—except their taxes, this episode is your reminder: don’t pay sticker price on your tax bill.Educational content only; not tax advice. Always consult your own tax professional.

Most people think about tax deductions and completely overlook tax credits, even though credits are often worth far more.In this episode of the Hidden Money Podcast, Mike and Kevin dive into tax credits as “gifts” from the government, and how smart planning can help you actually receive them instead of unknowingly saying “no thanks.”They break down:The difference between tax credits vs deductionsRefundable vs nonrefundable creditsWhy lowering your AGI is the key to unlocking more creditsEnergy and solar credits, home efficiency upgrades, and expiring timelinesCollege and education credits (and how they tie into FAFSA and tuition planning)The underused R&D credit, even for non-tech, service-based businessesOverlooked business credits for employers: health insurance, retirement, paid leave, work opportunity hires, restaurant tips, and moreWhether you’re a high-income earner, business owner, or simply someone who doesn’t want to leave free money on the table, this episode will change the way you think about credits, AGI, and tax planning.Want a tax planning team in your corner?Learn more at RevoTaxpayer.com and find out how proactive tax strategy can help you legally pay less in tax and keep more of what you earn.

Most people miss the easiest tax deductions, especially in December. In this episode, Mike and Kevin share their favorite underrated year-end deductions, including tech, tools, team expenses, and simple business purchases that can still lower your tax bill before December 31.If you’re a high earner or business owner looking for quick wins before year-end, this is your episode.What you’ll learn:• The most overlooked deductions people forget• Why December spending still counts• Everyday technology you should be deducting• CPA-favorite tax moves that save real money• How to stop leaving money on the tableFollow the Hidden Money Podcast for more real-world tax strategy, financial planning, and stories from the field.Work with Revo Tax → https://revotaxpayer.com

Bad CPA Advice That’s Wrecking Your Year-End Tax PlanIs bad CPA advice quietly wrecking your year-end tax plan? In this week’s Hidden Money episode, Mike and Kevin unpack the most common things people hear from their CPAs that sound “responsible” but actually cost them tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary tax. If you have ever been told “there is nothing else you can do” or “just pay it and be grateful,” this conversation will reset how you think about year-end tax planning.Mike and Kevin share real stories of high-income earners who were convinced they were “doing great on taxes” while paying 35 to 40 percent, all because their CPA was focused on filing returns instead of building a strategy. They explain why some licensed CPAs still operate from outdated rules, how misinformation spreads, and why the tax code is far more flexible than you have been led to believe.What You Will Learn in This Episode• Common CPA myths that wreck your year-end tax plan• Why “there’s nothing you can do” is almost never true• How the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act still creates missed opportunities for high earners• When an IRS audit is not something to fear and can actually validate your strategy• How W-2 earners can still create meaningful tax savings with the right planning• Why the tax code is designed to reward strategic taxpayers, not punish them• How to tell if your CPA is a tax preparer or a true tax strategistIf your CPA keeps telling you there is nothing left to plan, it is time for a second opinion. Want Mike and Kevin to review your facts and help rebuild your year-end tax plan? Visit revotaxpayer.com to schedule your consultation.

If you’re a high-income earner wondering why your bank account doesn’t reflect the long hours, sacrifices, and hard work... you’re not alone. In this powerful episode, CPAs Mike Pine & Kevin Schneider break down what year-end tax planning really means for high earners and why strategic tax moves can feel like magic when done right. This is the episode that finally explains why “making more money” shouldn’t mean “giving more of it away.”From navigating estate considerations and accredited investor rules to real-life examples involving surgeons, tech-stock windfalls, and real estate professional status, Mike & Kevin pull back the curtain on how the wealthiest taxpayers legally reduce their tax burdens. Whether you're earning $300K, $1M, or multiple seven figures, this episode shows why proactive tax planning is the top lever high earners can pull to protect and grow their wealth.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why high-income earners often feel “broke” despite big incomes, and how tax planning fixes itThe accredited investor thresholds and the expanded investment strategies they unlockHow estate considerations, step-up in basis, and legacy planning impact high-net-worth familiesWhy two people earning the same income may need completely different tax strategiesWhen passive tax strategies make sense for ultra-busy professionalsThe real role a spouse can play in tax planning (including real estate professional status)How overlooked lifestyle activities—like hosting events at home—can produce massive tax savingsWant Mike & Kevin to build a personalized tax plan that fits your life, not just the tax code?Book a free consult at Revo Tax and start keeping what’s rightfully yours.

Year-end real estate tax planning can save hundreds of thousands or turn into a costly audit nightmare when done wrong. In this episode, Mike & Kevin break down real client stories where DIY tax advice, online templates, and even ChatGPT-led planning derailed purchase price allocations, cost segregation, bonus depreciation, and lender negotiations.You’ll learn why real estate tax planning isn’t a copy-paste strategy, the hidden pitfalls of automated cost-seg tools, how poorly executed PPA language can kill a deal, and what actually makes year-end tax planning defensible, effective, and IRS-ready.This episode covers:• Purchase Price Allocations (PPA) and why execution matters more than strategy alone• Cost segregation shortcuts that trigger audits• Bonus depreciation done right (and the risks when it’s not)• The difference between tax education and tax implementation• Red flags that signal you need a real specialist, not a DIY promptWant help executing instead of experimenting? Book a consultation with Mike and Kevin at Revo Tax Follow for weekly tax strategy insights that help you keep more of what you earn, without cutting corners that cost you later.

If your idea of year-end tax planning is “buy a new truck to save on taxes,” think again. In this episode of Hidden Money Podcast, tax strategist and CPAs at Revo Tax Mike Pine and Kevin Schneider answer the 10 most frequently asked questions about proactive tax planning. They bust the myth that purchasing a big asset is the best way to cut your tax bill and share smarter strategies to change your facts and legally lower your tax before December 31.You’ll learn:Tax Planning vs. Tax Prep: Why planning ahead is a game-changer (and how it differs from simply filing taxes).Avoidance vs. Evasion: The crucial difference between legal tax avoidance and illegal tax evasion, and how to stay on the right side of the law.Timing is Everything: When to start planning and how often to review your strategy (so you never miss out on deductions or credits).Audit Risk Myths: Whether using aggressive tax strategies (like big year-end write-offs) increases your audit risk, and how proper documentation keeps you audit-proof.Real Savings Examples: How smart moves (like strategic investments and business structuring) helped real clients save tens of thousandsCost vs. Benefit: What quality tax planning services might cost and why the right tax strategy can pay for itself multiple times over.Stop Overpaying: Simple ways to ensure you’re not leaving Uncle Sam an unnecessary tip. If you’re earning well and not planning proactively, you are overpaying your taxes.Ready to stop overpaying and keep more of what you earn? Book a free consultation with the Revo Tax team at revotaxpayer.com to get your personalized year-end game plan.Disclaimer: This episode is meant for educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personal guidance.

If your only touchpoint with a CPA is dropping off documents in March, you’re doing tax prep, not tax planning. In this episode, Mike and Kevin show how proactive tax strategy, in-year moves (made before December 31) can change your facts and legally lower your tax.You’ll learn:Tax planning vs. tax preparation (and why planning must come first)How to find a CPA/ tax strategist who meets with you before filing seasonSmart year-end moves for W-2 high earners and the self-employedUsing investments (e.g., oil & gas) to repurpose taxes into your portfolioHow planning can restore phased-out credits and compound savingsReady to change your facts and your tax? Book a free consultation at Revo Tax Disclaimer: This is meant to be educational content only; not tax, legal, or investment advice.

The Tax-Free Exit Strategy Your CPA Wishes They Knew AboutYou've heard the saying: the only sure things are death and taxes. Mike and Kevin are here to call BS on the taxes part.In this episode of Hidden Money, we dive deep into the Opportunity Zone (OZ) strategy, a powerful but underused tool, recently supercharged by the One Big Beautiful Bill act. Learn how savvy investors are using OZs to legally defer capital gains for years and ultimately pay $0 on the profit when they sell.This isn't theory; it’s an actionable playbook for those with serious capital gains (stock sales, business exits, etc.) looking for a way out.Inside The Advanced OZ Playbook:The Zero-Tax Finish Line: How a simple 10-year hold in an OZ can turn a multi-million dollar appreciation into a completely tax-free sale.The New Rules That Matter: We decode the bill's changes, including the permanent status of OZs and the new, easier requirements for "Qualified Rural Opportunity Zones."DIY Fund vs. Brokerage Pool: Why Mike and Kevin often advise clients to create their own OZ partnership/fund instead of going the traditional 1031 route or trusting a large fund.Real Client Strategies: Rolling $5M in Microsoft/Tesla stock gains into a self-storage build and using vested RSU income to secure a tax-advantaged short-term rental.The Ultimate "Double Dip": Layering Cost Segregation with an OZ investment to generate massive paper losses now while securing the tax-free exit later.Who needs this? If you're a business owner, high-net-worth investor, or anyone sitting on a mountain of stock gains, this episode is your blueprint.Ready to challenge the axiom? Mike and Kevin practice what they preach. Book a free consultation with Revo Tax, to see how an Opportunity Zone strategy could work for your capital gains.

Thinking about real estate syndications? In this episode, we sit down with Jack, operator, LP, and former Fortune 500 M&A/CFO leader, to break down how syndications work, who should consider them, and the (very real) tax advantages when they’re structured well.What a syndication actually is (and how it differs from partnerships and going solo)GP vs. LP roles, simple vs. complex waterfalls (why many pros prefer an 80/20 after return of capital)Accredited investor rules, risks, and why due diligence on the operator comes firstTax angles: 100% bonus depreciation, passive loss carry forwards, tax-advantaged distributions vs. stock dividendsInterest rates, insurance, and property taxes - how today’s headwinds shape deals (and how strong operators respond)Practical LP checklist: track record, comp, skin-in-the-game, docs you must read (PPM, OA.If you’re a high-income earner or business owner and want proactive tax strategy, grab a free consult with our team at Revo Tax . Disclaimer: This is education, not financial/tax/legal advice. Always consult your own advisor.

Real estate investors are missing one of the most powerful, and overlooked tax strategies: Purchase Price Allocation (PPA).In this episode, Mike Pine & Kevin Schneider from Revo Tax reveal how to use PPA to front-load depreciation, offset W-2 or self-employed income, and dramatically lower your tax bill. Learn how PPA compares to cost segregation, when each is best, and why this move can supercharge your returns.Episode highlights:What PPA is and why the IRS requires it for trade or business purchasesReal-world examples: 25–35% depreciation with cost seg vs. 80%+ with PPAStructuring offers with sellers and covering their tax to close the dealHow to mitigate recapture, bonus depreciation limits, and timing issuesWhether you’re buying your first short-term rental or scaling a multimillion-dollar portfolio, this episode will change how you think about depreciation.Work with Mike & Kevin: revotaxpayer.comLearn more: hiddenmoney.comThis is educational content, not tax, legal, or financial advice. Talk to your advisor about your portfolio.

Build steady cash flow, pay down debt with tenant dollars, and unlock serious tax advantages without living inside an Airbnb turnover. In Part 3 of our Real Estate Series, Mike and Kevin break down how long-term rentals build wealth and legally cut taxes.What you’ll learnLong-term rentals vs. short-term: cash flow, workload, and tax treatmentPassive vs. active income rules, and why that matters for your W-2The truth about Real Estate Professional (REP) status Material participation for long-term rentals and when the grouping election helps (or hurts)Why “good debt” + depreciation can accelerate returnsReal client wins (cost seg, losses, and dropping effective tax rates)Lifestyle benefits (own near family, travel to “inspect,” and still keep it a legit business)Follow the show for the full series and weekly tax strategy drops at https://hiddenmoney.com/Want a free tax strategy call with Mike or Kevin? Schedule at revotaxpayer.com.