Your W-2 Says $500K.
Your Bill Doesn't Have to Match.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plans let you postpone receiving a portion of your salary or bonus to a future year when you may be in a lower bracket, such as after retirement. The deferred amount is not included in your W-2 income until it's actually paid out, which can meaningfully lower your current-year tax obligation.

If you have any business income alongside your W-2, the IRS requires S-Corp owners to pay themselves a reasonable salary before taking distributions. Setting this correctly is critical because it determines how much of your income is subject to payroll taxes. Too low triggers audits; too high leaves savings on the table.

Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) receive preferential tax treatment if you meet holding period requirements, potentially qualifying for long-term capital gains rates. Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs) are taxed as ordinary income at exercise. The timing of when you exercise and sell, and which type you hold, can create a difference of tens of thousands of dollars in tax liability.

Most executive tax strategies are planning overlays, not restructuring. You keep your current accounts, advisors, and employer benefits. We identify the gaps in timing, elections, and coordination that your current CPA likely isn't addressing, then build a strategy around your existing setup.

Many strategies take effect in the current tax year. Deferred comp elections, RSU timing decisions, and charitable strategies like DAF contributions can be implemented within weeks. More complex items like real estate strategies may take a quarter to set up but begin generating deductions immediately once in place.