Atlas Meridian Capital
Atlas Meridian Capital: Tax Planning Core
At Atlas Meridian Capital, we help our clients grow wealth through intelligent investment planning. We also want client to keep as much of their earnings - whether earned or investment income - as possible. Tax planning is a key component of optimizing wealth preservation over time. In this core primer, we outline a range of strategies designed to reduce your tax bill and keep more of what you've earned. Because you deserve it!
The Modern Tax Landscape
In today's complex financial environment, sophisticated tax planning has evolved far beyond simple deductions and credits. High-net-worth individuals face a multifaceted challenge: navigating federal and state regulations, managing diverse income streams, protecting accumulated wealth, and ensuring efficient intergenerational transfer.
The most effective tax strategies are built on four foundational pillars: intelligent account architecture, strategic entity structuring, geographic optimization, and lifecycle planning. These pillars work in concert to create a comprehensive framework that adapts to changing circumstances while maximizing after-tax wealth preservation.
This primer provides a sophisticated overview of advanced tax planning strategies tailored for Founders, Creators, Collectors, and Business Owners—each facing unique opportunities and challenges in their wealth journey.
37%
Top Federal Rate
Plus state and local taxes
23.8%
Capital Gains
Long-term preferential rate
40.8%
Estate Tax
On transfers above exemption
Pillar One: Account Architecture
The foundation of tax efficiency begins with strategic account structure. Different account types offer distinct tax treatments, and understanding how to leverage each creates significant long-term value.
Tax-Deferred Accounts
Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and defined benefit plans allow pre-tax contributions and tax-deferred growth, reducing current taxable income while building retirement wealth.
Tax-Free Accounts
Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s provide tax-free growth and distributions, ideal for younger clients or those anticipating higher future tax rates.
Taxable Accounts
Brokerage accounts offer maximum flexibility, step-up in basis at death, and access to preferential capital gains rates with proper management.
The optimal approach coordinates all three account types, strategically positioning assets based on tax efficiency, time horizon, and liquidity needs. High-growth assets often belong in Roth accounts, income-producing assets in tax-deferred accounts, and tax-efficient equities in taxable accounts.
Pillar Two: Entity Structuring
Strategic Business Structures
Entity selection and structuring represent one of the most powerful tax planning tools available. The right structure can significantly reduce tax liability while providing liability protection and operational flexibility.
C Corporations offer the qualified small business stock (QSBS) exclusion—potentially eliminating federal taxes on up to $10 million in gains. S Corporations allow pass-through taxation while enabling reasonable compensation strategies. LLCs provide flexibility and asset protection with simplified administration.
1
Entity Formation Timing
Establish structures early to maximize benefits like QSBS holding periods and basis step-ups
2
Multi-Entity Strategies
Utilize holding companies, IP entities, and operating entities to segregate risk and optimize taxation
3
Trust Integration
Combine trusts with entities for estate tax reduction, asset protection, and dynasty planning
Pillar Three: Geographic Optimization
State Tax Arbitrage
Strategic domicile selection in states like Texas, Florida, Nevada, or Wyoming can save millions in state income taxes. Establishing true residency requires careful documentation and genuine presence.
Puerto Rico Incentives
Acts 60 and 22 offer extraordinary benefits: 4% corporate tax on services, 0% on capital gains for new residents. Requires bona fide residency and 183+ days on the island annually.
International Structures
Foreign trusts, international business companies, and tax treaty planning can provide benefits for globally mobile individuals, though subject to complex reporting requirements.
Geographic strategies require meticulous planning and must comply with increasingly sophisticated state nexus rules and federal anti-abuse provisions. The savings potential is substantial, but execution must be flawless to withstand audit scrutiny.
Pillar Four: Lifecycle Tax Planning
Tax planning is not static—it evolves through distinct life stages, each presenting unique opportunities and requiring different strategies.
1
Accumulation Phase
Focus on maximizing tax-deferred contributions, implementing Roth conversions during lower-income years, and establishing entity structures early. QSBS planning and equity compensation optimization are critical.
2
Growth Phase
Emphasize asset location optimization, tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving strategies, and business succession planning. Consider grantor trusts and family limited partnerships for wealth transfer.
3
Transition Phase
Strategic Roth conversions, qualified charitable distributions, and income smoothing become paramount. Evaluate pension maximization and Social Security optimization strategies.
4
Legacy Phase
Deploy sophisticated estate planning techniques: GRATs, CLATs, dynasty trusts, and private foundations. Focus shifts to minimizing estate taxes and creating multi-generational wealth structures.
Persona-Specific Strategies
Founders & Entrepreneurs
  • QSBS Planning: Structure from inception to qualify for Section 1202 exclusion on up to $10M in gains
  • 83(b) Elections: File within 30 days of restricted stock grants to lock in low valuations
  • Opportunity Zones: Defer and reduce capital gains through qualified opportunity fund investments
  • Installment Sales: Spread recognition of exit proceeds over multiple tax years
Creators & Influencers
  • IP Holding Entities: Separate intellectual property ownership for royalty income management
  • Business Expense Optimization: Properly document and categorize production costs and equipment
  • Multi-State Nexus: Navigate complex state tax obligations from distributed income sources
  • Retirement Plans: Solo 401(k)s and defined benefit plans for self-employed individuals
Collectors & Investors
  • 1031 Exchanges: Defer capital gains on investment real estate through like-kind exchanges
  • Collectibles Strategy: Navigate 28% collectibles tax rate through strategic holding structures
  • Charitable Remainder Trusts: Donate appreciated assets while retaining income stream
  • Private Placement Life Insurance: Tax-free growth on alternative investments
Business Owners
  • Reasonable Compensation: Balance W-2 salary with distributions to optimize payroll taxes
  • Section 179/Bonus Depreciation: Accelerate deductions on equipment and property
  • Cost Segregation: Reclassify real estate components for faster depreciation
  • Employee Benefit Plans: Deductible fringe benefits that reduce taxable income
Advanced Wealth Transfer Techniques
For ultra-high-net-worth individuals, sophisticated estate planning techniques can dramatically reduce transfer taxes while maintaining control and providing for multiple generations.
Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)
Transfer appreciating assets to beneficiaries while retaining an annuity payment. If assets appreciate above the IRS assumed rate (Section 7520 rate), excess growth passes tax-free to beneficiaries.
Charitable Lead Annuity Trusts (CLATs)
Provide income to charity for a term of years, then transfer remaining assets to heirs at reduced gift tax cost. Particularly effective in low-interest rate environments.
Dynasty Trusts
Utilize generation-skipping transfer tax exemption to create multi-generational trusts in favorable jurisdictions, shielding assets from estate taxes for 300+ years.
These techniques require careful coordination with competent legal counsel and must be implemented well before death. The current estate tax exemption of $13.61 million per person (2024) is scheduled to sunset in 2026, creating urgency for planning.
Charitable Giving Strategies
Strategic philanthropy serves dual purposes: creating meaningful social impact while generating significant tax benefits. The key is implementing structures that maximize deductions while maintaining flexibility and control.
Donor-Advised Funds provide immediate tax deductions while allowing multi-year distribution planning. They're ideal for concentrated stock positions or high-income years requiring large deductions.
Private Foundations offer maximum control and legacy-building opportunities, though subject to excise taxes and distribution requirements. They work best for families committed to multi-generational philanthropy.
Charitable Remainder Trusts
Convert highly appreciated assets to income while securing a current charitable deduction and avoiding immediate capital gains taxes
Qualified Charitable Distributions
Directly transfer IRA assets to charity after age 70½, satisfying RMDs while excluding income from taxation
Bunching Strategies
Concentrate multiple years of charitable giving into single tax years to exceed standard deduction thresholds
Your Strategic Tax Planning Journey
Effective tax planning is not a single transaction but a continuous process of optimization, adaptation, and strategic implementation. The strategies outlined in this primer represent the foundation of sophisticated wealth management—but they must be customized to your unique circumstances, goals, and values.
01
Comprehensive Assessment
Analyze your current tax situation, entity structures, and wealth transfer plans to identify optimization opportunities
02
Strategic Design
Develop an integrated tax plan coordinating account architecture, entity structuring, geographic optimization, and lifecycle strategies
03
Implementation
Execute your plan with precision, ensuring compliance with technical requirements and documentation standards
04
Ongoing Optimization
Regularly review and adjust strategies in response to life changes, market conditions, and evolving tax legislation
"The difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion is the thickness of a prison wall." — Denis Healey
At Atlas Meridian Capital, we partner with accomplished individuals to design and implement sophisticated tax strategies that preserve wealth, enhance legacy, and provide peace of mind. Our approach combines technical expertise with personalized service, ensuring your tax plan evolves with your success.