Ep. 296: How Realtors Can Lower Their Taxes with CPA Amanda Han
Are you a real estate agent overwhelmed by taxes and accounting? In this episode, we break down how realtors can lower their taxes with expert insight from Amanda Han, a CPA, author, and real estate investor. Amanda shares actionable tips on setting up your business structure, maximizing write-offs, and leveraging real estate to significantly reduce your tax liability. Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned top producer, these strategies will help you keep more of your income and build long-term wealth.
Do Realtors Need an LLC or S-Corp?
One of the most common questions agents ask is whether they should form an LLC or elect to be taxed as an S-Corp. Amanda walks us through how to evaluate your income and expenses to decide which structure is right for your business. Hint: it’s not just about how much you gross—it’s about your net income after expenses. You’ll learn how choosing the right structure is one of the most impactful ways realtors can lower their taxes.
Avoid These Common Tax Mistakes
Amanda shares the biggest pitfalls agents make when it comes to accounting and taxes. Many agents operate without clear systems, mix business and personal finances, or only think about taxes at filing time. The solution? Set up strong systems from the start, including separate bank accounts and bookkeeping software you’ll actually use. Proactive planning—rather than reactive scrambling—is the key to long-term financial success.
Tax Planning for Top-Producing Realtors
Once your income starts growing, your tax strategy should evolve. Amanda outlines ways higher-earning agents can save, including using strategic payroll planning in an S-Corp, contributing to retirement accounts, and keeping taxable income lower through smart write-offs. She reminds us that how realtors can lower their taxes at this level includes both avoiding overpaying payroll taxes and optimizing retirement contributions.
Why Every Realtor Should Consider Real Estate Investing
Amanda passionately believes every agent should become an investor. She explains how investing in rental properties offers paper losses through depreciation—allowing you to offset your commission income while building wealth. You’ll also hear how to use depreciation wisely, understand recapture tax, and plan for long-term strategies like 1031 exchanges or passing down properties with step-up basis.
Retirement Options for Self-Employed Realtors
From SEP IRAs to self-directed 401(k)s, Amanda details the retirement options available to realtors. She also shares how you can invest your retirement funds in real estate using a self-directed IRA, giving you more control over your wealth building. The key is determining how much money you’re comfortable setting aside and choosing the right account to match your goals.
Final Thoughts
Amanda leaves us with a powerful reminder: making money is only half the equation. Protecting your income through smart tax planning and systems is essential. By investing a little time upfront, you’ll gain long-term peace of mind and stronger financial outcomes.
📘 Learn more from Amanda at Keystone CPA or check out her books, Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor and follow her on Instagram or YouTube @amandahanCPA.
🛒 Products, People & Previous Episodes Mentioned:
Amanda’s company: keystonecpa.com
Amanda on Instagram: @amandahanCPA
Tax Strategies for the Savvy Real Estate Investor (book by Amanda Han)
UDirect IRA and Equity Trust Company (for self-directed retirement accounts)
QuickBooks and Excel (for bookkeeping options)
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