Yearly round this time, I’ve the identical dialog with at the very least one doctor pal.
It normally begins with one thing like, “Peter, my CPA simply informed me how a lot I owe in taxes this 12 months. I used to be shocked!”
Perhaps you’ve had that very same second. You’re employed laborious, take additional calls, construct facet revenue, after which the tax invoice hits. You take a look at the quantity and surprise the way it’s even attainable to ship that a lot of your earnings away in a single verify.
The reality is, most physicians pay extra in taxes than they should. Not as a result of they’re doing something mistaken, however as a result of they’re not being strategic sufficient.
We’ve been educated to deal with incomes extra, not essentially conserving extra. However essentially the most financially profitable folks I do know—physicians or not—are extremely intentional about taxes.
In order we head towards December 31, listed here are a number of year-end tax strikes to contemplate. None of that is meant to switch your CPA’s recommendation, however my hope is that it helps you assume extra proactively earlier than the 12 months closes out.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational and academic functions solely and doesn’t represent monetary, authorized, or funding recommendation. Any funding entails threat, and you must seek the advice of your monetary advisor, legal professional, or CPA earlier than making any funding choices. Previous efficiency just isn’t indicative of future outcomes. The writer and related entities disclaim any legal responsibility for loss incurred because of using this materials or its content material.
1. Prepay Subsequent Yr’s Enterprise Bills
Just a few years in the past, I keep in mind my CPA calling me in December and saying, “You’ve carried out fairly effectively this 12 months. Need to save a number of thousand in taxes?”
He informed me to prepay a number of enterprise bills—issues I’d be paying anyway subsequent 12 months each in medication and my companies. I wrote a number of checks earlier than December 31, and that one cellphone name saved me 1000’s.
In case you’re a 1099 doctor or personal a apply, you possibly can typically deduct pay as you go enterprise bills like insurance coverage, lease, advertising, or training this 12 months as a substitute of subsequent. It’s one of many easiest methods to handle your taxable revenue.
2. Purchase a Enterprise Car (If You Truly Want One)
I’ll always remember when a colleague informed me he purchased a giant SUV “for the write-off.” After I requested what enterprise function it served, he stated, “Properly, I drive to the hospital.”
That’s not fairly the way it works.
In case you legitimately use a automobile for enterprise—say you drive to a number of apply websites, conferences, or properties—it might qualify for a deduction via Part 179 or bonus depreciation. Automobiles over 6,000 kilos, like sure SUVs, typically qualify.
The secret’s it have to be used at the very least 50% for enterprise and positioned in service earlier than December 31. If it’s one thing you already want, this generally is a sensible transfer. If not, don’t pressure it. The IRS would possibly take a better take a look at it.
3. Improve Your Tech and Instruments
Most of us rely closely on know-how for work, whether or not it’s managing our apply, investments, or a facet enterprise. In case you’ve been interested by upgrading your laptop computer, cellphone, and even video gear, shopping for earlier than year-end might permit you to deduct these prices this tax cycle.
For me, that’s regarded like changing my laptop computer that runs my enterprise and podcast setup. If it’s used for enterprise functions, you possibly can typically deduct the complete price.
If there’s one thing in your apply that you simply’ve been interested by buying or upgrading, would possibly as effectively do it earlier than the top of the 12 months.
It’s wonderful what number of physicians miss this one just because they wait till January to make the acquisition.
4. Set Up an Accountable Plan
In case you run your online business via an S-Corp or LLC, one of many cleanest methods to maximise deductions is to arrange an accountable plan.
It permits you to reimburse your self for business-related bills you pay personally—like your private home workplace, web, utilities, or mileage. The enterprise will get the deduction, and also you obtain the reimbursement tax-free.
I do know physicians who depart 1000’s on the desk yearly as a result of they don’t have this in place. It’s a straightforward win and retains your bookkeeping easy and compliant.
5. Use the Augusta Rule
The Augusta Rule is a kind of IRS provisions that sounds too good to be true however isn’t. It permits you to lease out your private home to your online business for as much as 14 days per 12 months, and that rental revenue is totally tax-free to you.
You possibly can host a crew retreat, content material day, or technique session at your private home. The enterprise deducts the expense, and also you personally obtain the revenue with out paying a cent of tax on it.
A pal of mine who runs his personal apply does this each December for his annual planning assembly. It’s 100% reputable and an effective way to shift revenue in a compliant manner.
6. Contemplate a Donor-Suggested Fund
For physicians who like to present charitably, a donor-advised fund (DAF) generally is a sensible technique to mix generosity with tax planning.
You possibly can donate money or appreciated inventory, get the complete deduction now, and resolve later which charities to help. Donating appreciated inventory is very highly effective since you keep away from capital features taxes whereas nonetheless getting the deduction.
In case you’re in a higher-income 12 months, a DAF can assist you cut back taxable revenue whereas setting apart funds for future giving. My household has carried out this, and it’s made giving extra intentional and arranged.
7. Defer Revenue and Speed up Bills
Timing issues. If subsequent 12 months’s revenue will likely be decrease—possibly you’re chopping again shifts, taking break day, or transitioning to a brand new position—you possibly can defer revenue till January and speed up deductible bills into this 12 months.
For instance, in case you run your personal apply, delay billing till January. Or in case you’re 1099, wait to bill till the brand new 12 months. On the flip facet, pay upcoming bills now.
It’s not about gaming the system; it’s about managing your tax brackets strategically.
8. Pay Your Youngsters By Your Enterprise
This one’s each enjoyable and academic. In case your youngsters assist in your online business—possibly they seem in advertising images, assist with mailers, or set up digital recordsdata—you possibly can pay them an affordable wage.
The primary $13,850 they earn (in 2025) is tax-free, and your online business will get a deduction. Plus, it’s an incredible alternative to show them about work, saving, and investing. I do know physicians who use this revenue to fund their youngsters’ Roth IRAs or 529 plans.
It’s a win-win for the household and the enterprise.
9. Spend money on Actual Property with Bonus Depreciation
This one is near my coronary heart as a result of actual property has been one of the vital highly effective instruments for me and lots of physicians I do know to each develop wealth and cut back taxes.
Bonus depreciation permits you to deduct a big portion of a property’s depreciable worth within the first 12 months. For 2025, it’s 60%, which may considerably offset revenue.
In case you qualify for actual property skilled standing (REPS) or actively handle sure kinds of properties, these “paper losses” may even offset lively revenue. Even with out REPS, you possibly can typically use them to scale back passive revenue from different investments.
This is among the causes actual property investing continues to be such a invaluable a part of my very own monetary technique.
10. Discover the Quick-Time period Rental Loophole
Right here’s one which’s rising in recognition amongst physicians. In case you personal or plan to purchase a short-term rental property, you might be able to use the losses to offset lively revenue in case you materially take part.
Which means being instantly concerned—dealing with bookings, managing cleanings, speaking with company, or overseeing the property your self, at the very least for the primary 12 months it’s in service. Many physicians will buy the property close to the top of the 12 months, put it in service, self-manage and put within the needed time, and within the following 12 months flip it over the skilled administration.
When carried out proper, this technique can create substantial tax benefits. I’ve seen physicians use it to not solely decrease their tax payments but additionally construct a life-style asset they will use with their households.
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A Fast Mindset Shift
Right here’s one thing that fully modified the best way I strategy taxes.
Submitting taxes is what all of us do in April. Tax planning is what the rich do within the fourth quarter.
Most physicians are on protection—we hand our numbers to a CPA and hope for the very best. However the physicians who get forward financially play offense. They plan early, ask questions, and make strikes earlier than December 31.
You don’t must know each tax rule. You simply have to be proactive sufficient to ask your CPA, “What else can I do now earlier than the 12 months ends?”
Wrapping It Up
Yearly, I see physicians overpay 1000’s of {dollars} as a result of they’re too busy to consider taxes till it’s too late. And I get it—between medication, household, and all the things else, who desires to consider tax codes in December?
However small, intentional strikes now could make an enormous distinction.
So earlier than the clock strikes midnight on December 31, take an hour or two to satisfy along with your CPA. Assessment your numbers, discuss via these methods, and be sure you’re not lacking alternatives that might make an actual affect.
You’ve labored extremely laborious in your revenue. Be certain it’s working simply as laborious for you.
Closing Ideas
Being tax-smart isn’t about avoiding taxes or discovering loopholes. It’s about understanding the foundations and utilizing them correctly. The extra intentional you’re, the extra freedom you create—to work much less, spend extra time with household, and deal with what actually issues.
Disclaimer
I’m not a CPA, legal professional, or monetary advisor. The data I’m sharing is for academic functions solely and shouldn’t be thought of monetary or tax recommendation. Everybody’s state of affairs is exclusive, so please talk about these concepts along with your CPA or certified tax skilled earlier than making any choices.
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Peter Kim, MD is the founding father of Passive Revenue MD, the creator of Passive Actual Property Academy, and provides weekly training via his Monday podcast, the Passive Revenue MD Podcast. Be a part of our neighborhood on the Passive Revenue Doc Fb Group.
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