Join host Heidi Henderson as she sits down with Amanda Han and Matt MacFarland, founders of Keystone CPA and leading voices in real estate tax strategy. Amanda and Matt reveal the proactive tax planning strategies that have helped thousands of investors save hundreds of thousands of dollars and build sustainable wealth.

This conversation covers cost segregation, bonus depreciation, Real Estate Professional Status, passive activity rules, and the critical shift from reactive compliance to proactive year-round tax planning. Amanda and Matt share their mission to democratize sophisticated tax strategies—making the same tools used by billion-dollar REITs accessible to everyday investors.

Key Topics
-Real estate tax strategies including cost segregation, grouping elections, and passive activity rules
-Proactive tax planning vs. reactive compliance
-Building Keystone CPA and serving everyday investors
-The CPA shortage crisis and why tax knowledge is critical
-Legacy, impact, and teaching the next generation

About the Guests
Amanda Han, CPA - Third-generation real estate investor and co-founder of Keystone CPA. Featured on BiggerPockets and NBC News, Amanda specializes in bringing Big Four-level tax strategies to everyday investors.
Matt MacFarland, CPA - Co-founder of Keystone CPA, who discovered his passion for real estate taxation while working at a Big Four firm. Matt focuses on proactive year-round tax planning and educating investors on how to control their tax destiny.

Connect with Amanda Han & Matt MacFarland
Keystone CPA Website: https://www.keystonecpa.com/
Amanda Han LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandayhan/
Matt MacFarland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmacfarland/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_han_cpa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keystonecpainc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amandahancpa

Learn More
Engineered Tax Services has helped CPA firms, investors, and business owners unlock tax incentives for nearly 25 years. From cost segregation to R&D credits and energy incentives like 179D and 45L, ETS uncovers real savings.

👉 Visit engineeredtaxservices.com

Subscribe to Slash Tax | Leave a review | Share with a colleague ready to optimize their tax strategy

Summary

What if you could unlock thousands—or even millions—in hidden tax savings just by understanding how your building is classified? In this episode, Heidi Henderson welcomes Michael D'Onofrio, Chief Product Officer at Engineered Tax Services and a veteran with over 18 years in specialty tax consulting. Mike has worked alongside some of the largest real estate developers and investors in the country, and today he breaks down cost segregation, one of the most potent yet underutilized tax strategies for real estate investors. Beyond cost seg, Mike shares how ETS has expanded its services to deliver comprehensive tax solutions, from R&D credits to energy incentives, helping clients and CPA firms maximize every opportunity in the tax code. Whether you're an investor looking to accelerate depreciation or a professional seeking to better serve your clients, this episode delivers the insights you need to transform tax planning into wealth building.

Key Topics Covered:

• Mike's 18-year journey in specialty tax consulting and what he's learned working with the nation's largest real estate developers and investors
• Cost segregation explained: what it is, how it works, and why it's a game-changer for real estate investors
• The property types and client profiles that benefit most from cost segregation studies
• Real-world case study showcasing the transformational impact of a cost seg strategy
• ETS's expanded service offerings, including R&D tax credits, 179D energy incentives, and insurance services
• How these specialty tax strategies work together to create a comprehensive wealth-building approach
• What sets Engineered Tax Services apart in the specialty tax industry, and why clients trust their expertise
• The biggest opportunities for real estate investors and business owners in the coming years
• Essential advice for CPAs and investors looking to maximize tax incentives and capture every legal deduction

About Michael D'Onofrio

Michael D'Onofrio is the Chief Product Officer at Engineered Tax Services, where he leads operations and drives the development of innovative service lines that deliver maximum value to clients and CPA firms nationwide. With over 18 years of experience in specialty tax and consulting, Mike has built a reputation for working with some of the largest real estate developers and investors in the country, helping them unlock significant tax savings through cost segregation and other advanced strategies. His expertise spans the full spectrum of specialty tax services, and his commitment to education and client success has made him a trusted leader in the industry.

Connect with Michael D'Onofrio:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfdonofrio/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfdonofrio/

Ready to slash your tax bill and uncover hidden savings? Subscribe to the Slash Tax Podcast for expert insights on cost segregation, specialty tax strategies, and wealth-building opportunities you can't afford to miss. Leave us a review, share this episode with your network, and visit the link in our bio to learn more about how Engineered Tax Services can help you or your clients capture every tax advantage you're legally entitled to. Don't wait... Your financial future starts now!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Specialty Tax and Cost Segregation

11:01 Understanding Cost Segregation

21:04 Client Profiles and Material Participation

26:10 Expanding Services at Engineered Tax Services

26:39 Exploring Equipment Investment Strategies

31:50 Innovative Financing Options for Clean Energy

36:24 Understanding R&D Tax Credits

40:50 Differentiating Engineered Tax Services

45:44 Proactive Tax Planning for Investors

What if the difference between paying taxes and building wealth is just a shift in mindset? In this episode, Heidi Henderson sits down with Mark J. Kohler, attorney, CPA, bestselling author, and one of the most trusted voices in tax and legal strategy for small business owners and real estate investors. Mark shares how to move beyond compliance into actual advisory work, revealing the tax strategies and legal tools that help entrepreneurs protect their wealth and maximize value. Whether you're a professional looking to elevate your practice or an investor ready to sharpen your tax game, this conversation delivers the frameworks and insights you need to take control of your financial future.

On today's episode, we'll cover:

• Mark's journey from compliance-focused professional to attorney, CPA, author, and advisor helping thousands build more innovative wealth strategies
• The mindset shift required to move from "filing returns" to delivering transformational tax and legal advisory services
• The most significant tax and legal mistakes small business owners and real estate investors make and how to avoid them
• Balancing aggressive tax strategies with client protection and IRS compliance
• Overlooked tax strategies for real estate investors and business owners, including navigating passive loss limitations and basis calculations
• Near-term tax opportunities with evolving legislation that savvy investors should act on now
• Practical steps for professionals ready to transition into advisory work and create lasting client impact

Mark J. Kohler is an attorney, CPA, author, speaker, and educator who has spent his career empowering small business owners, professionals, and real estate investors to master the intersection of tax, law, and wealth. Through his firm, books, and educational platform, Mark has served thousands of clients, helping them move beyond basic compliance into strategic advisory that protects assets and maximizes financial opportunities. His work focuses on making complex tax and legal concepts accessible while delivering high-impact strategies that drive real results.

Connect with Mark:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@markjkohler
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markjkohler
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markkohler/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-j-kohler-company/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/markjkohler
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/markkohler

Ready to slash your tax bill and build lasting wealth? Subscribe to the Slash Tax Podcast for more expert insights, proven strategies, and actionable advice. Leave us a review, share this episode with your network, and visit the link in our bio to explore resources that can transform your financial future. Don't miss the next episode. Your wealth depends on it!

Want to turn your tax bill into an investment? In this episode, Heidi Henderson and Adam Carver reveal how renewable energy tax credits can legally offset up to 25% of your federal taxes—while helping fund the future of clean energy.

In this episode of Slash Tax, host Heidi Henderson sits down with Adam Carver, CEO and Founder of SunSaver Tax Equity, to reveal how corporations, family offices, and accredited investors can offset 10–25% of their federal tax liability through renewable energy tax credits and bonus depreciation.
Adam explains how clean energy tax equity structures work, who qualifies, and how SunSaver’s technology platform enables investors to participate in renewable energy projects that reduce taxes while supporting the transition to clean power. From C-corporations to high-net-worth individuals using the 100-hour rule, this episode dives deep into the future of sustainable tax strategy.

Summary
Heidi and Adam unpack how tax equity investing in renewable energy works, how to navigate passive vs. active income, and why timing your investment before December 31 is critical. Adam shares how SunSaver sources, builds, and manages solar and battery storage projects across the U.S., giving investors access to the same IRS-backed strategies used by Fortune 100 companies.
Listeners will also learn how SunSaver’s proprietary platform tracks the 100 hours of active participation needed for individuals to apply these credits against W-2 or portfolio income—creating an IRS-compliant digital audit trail.

Guest Information:
Name: Adam Carver
Email: adam@sunsaver.com
Website: www.sunsaver.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/adamcarver
Instagram: @adamcarver

Takeaways

• 10–25% Tax Mitigation: Investors can offset a significant portion of federal taxes through renewable credits and bonus depreciation.
• Who Qualifies: C-corps, passive investors with K-1 income, and individuals meeting the 100-hour rule.
• LLC Tax Equity Structure: Investors own ~99% of a project LLC; SunSaver manages ~1% and operations.
• Residential Solar + Battery Portfolios: Built across TX, CA, and DC for diversified clean energy exposure.
• PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements): Homeowners receive $0-down solar; investors earn credits, depreciation, and small cash returns.
• Timing Is Critical: Credits must be applied in the same year the project is placed in service.
• Reduce Quarterly Payments: Credits can offset estimated tax payments before year-end.
• 100% Bonus Depreciation: “Big Beautiful Bill” restored immediate first-year depreciation.
• Digital Audit Log: SunSaver’s tech tracks participation for compliance.
• Institutional Validation: JPMorgan, BofA, Goldman Sachs, and others deploy billions annually in this market.

Chapters
00:00 — Welcome & Q4 tax planning announcement
02:03 — Meet Adam Carver, CEO of SunSaver
03:07 — From structured finance to clean energy investing
06:18 — Demystifying tax equity and the IRS code
07:43 — How clean energy tax credits work
08:35 — Technologies covered: solar, wind, geothermal, CCS & more
09:27 — Transferability and investor eligibility post-IRA
10:21 — Who qualifies and how
12:28 — Passive vs. portfolio income
13:40 — The 100-hour rule explained
17:28 — Building tax equity through LLC structures
19:19 — How SunSaver identifies and builds projects
21:33 — Managing residential solar portfolios
23:26 — Spouses can combine hours for material participation
24:02 — Power Purchase Agreements vs. leases/loans
28:46 — How credits and depreciation generate returns
30:07 — Example: $812K investment vs. $1M liability
34:04 — Timing and year-end deadlines
38:04 — Residential warehousing advantage
39:00 — Using credits to reduce quarterly taxes
44:56 — Bonus depreciation behaves like a credit
49:36 — IRS audit readiness and documentation
58:18 — How SunSaver makes this strategy accessible
1:00:42 — Closing and next steps

Want to lower your taxes while building wealth for retirement? Discover how cash balance plans can be a game-changer for high-income earners.

Summary
In this episode of the Slash Tax Podcast, host Heidi Henderson interviews Chris Roehm, a cash balance plan specialist. They discuss the intricacies of cash balance and defined benefit plans, highlighting their tax benefits, ideal candidates, and the importance of proper management. Chris explains how these plans can help high-income earners defer taxes and build retirement savings, while also addressing common misconceptions and the costs associated with setting up such plans. The conversation emphasizes the need for professional guidance in navigating the complexities of cash balance plans.

Please contact Heidi for more information.
Engineered Tax Services
Direct: (801) 564-4464
Email: hhenderson@engineeredtaxservices.com

Takeaways
Cash balance plans are a powerful tool for tax deferral.
Defined benefit plans differ significantly from defined contribution plans.
High-income earners can benefit greatly from cash balance plans.
Mismanagement of plans poses a greater risk than IRS scrutiny.
Actuaries play a crucial role in managing cash balance plans.
The cost of setting up a cash balance plan is reasonable today.
Flexibility in plan design allows for tailored solutions.
Cash balance plans can provide benefits for rank and file employees.
Understanding the rules is essential to avoid penalties.
Professional guidance is necessary for effective implementation.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cash Balance Plans
02:02 Understanding Defined Benefit vs. Defined Contribution Plans
05:00 The Mechanics of Cash Balance Plans
09:06 Tax Benefits of Cash Balance Plans
13:01 Ideal Candidates for Cash Balance Plans
19:58 Setting Up Cash Balance Plans for Small Businesses
24:05 Managing Cash Balance Plans and Company Sales
25:05 Understanding Cash Balance Plans
28:24 Shutting Down Plans: Reasons and Implications
30:11 The Importance of Expert Guidance
31:30 Cash Balance Plans in Agriculture
34:12 Legislative Changes and Their Impact
35:10 IRS Scrutiny and Stigma
39:22 Mismanagement vs. Abuse in Cash Balance Plans
43:37 Cost Structure of Cash Balance Plans

Self-storage isn’t just extra space—it’s one of the fastest-growing real estate opportunities with steady returns and tax advantages waiting for savvy investors.

Summary

In this episode, Heidi Henderson interviews Marc Goodin, CEO of Storage Authority Franchise, discussing the lucrative world of self-storage investing. Marc shares his journey from civil engineer to self-storage expert, highlighting the profitability and tax advantages of this asset class. The conversation covers the development process, common mistakes investors make, and the importance of understanding local market dynamics. Marc emphasizes the support provided through franchising and the potential for significant returns in the self-storage market. Listeners will gain insights into why self-storage is a compelling investment opportunity and how to navigate the complexities of the industry.

Contact info:
Email: Marc@storageauthority.com

Phone: 860-830-6764

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marcgoodinstorageauthority
Website: www.storageauthorityfranchise.com

Takeaways

• Self-storage is a profitable real estate business.
• The market for self-storage is growing steadily.
• Investors can benefit from tax advantages in self-storage.
• The development process is crucial for success in self-storage.
• Understanding local market dynamics is key to self-storage success.
• Self-storage has a low failure rate compared to other real estate investments.
• Franchising offers support and guidance for new investors.
• Building a self-storage facility can be a lucrative venture.
• Mistakes in self-storage investing can be costly and should be avoided.
• The auction process can help recover costs from defaulting tenants.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Self Storage and Marc's Journey

04:34 The Evolution of Self Storage Franchising

07:31 Market Insights and Location Strategies

10:35 Why Self Storage is a Profitable Investment

13:39 The Secret Sauce of Storage Authority

16:28 Navigating the Self Storage Market

19:29 Tax Advantages of Self Storage Investments

22:37 Future Trends in Self Storage

25:35 Common Mistakes in Self Storage Investments

28:40 Building vs. Buying Self Storage Facilities

34:22 Introduction to Coaching and Support

36:46 Building a Team for Success

40:18 Navigating the Construction Process

43:36 Franchise Structure and Financials

48:18 Understanding Auctions and Tenant Payments

51:59 Identifying the Ideal Candidate for Self-Storage Investment

01:01:54 Introduction to Self-Storage Investing

01:02:24 Marc's System for Fast-Tracking Success

Want a legal way to turn $1 into up to $4 in deductions—while getting a backstage pass to Hollywood? This episode reveals how IRC §181 lets accredited investors pair strategic tax planning with independent film deals alongside CPA David Scott and producer John Lankford.

Summary

Host Heidi Henderson sits down with David Scott, CPA (Scott CPAs) and John Lankford (Founder, Three Legends Entertainment) to unpack a tax-advantaged investment strategy in independent film production. They explain how IRC §181 can allow qualifying investors to deduct first-year production costs—often creating a 3–4× deduction relative to cash invested—why material participation (≈500 hours) can unlock offsets against ordinary income, how state film credits and pre-sales help de-risk projects, and what real investor participation looks like (budgets, set visits, premieres). Ideal for accredited investors and high W-2 earners with meaningful tax liability, this convo blends practical tax planning with a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood.

Guest(s) Information:

Name: David Scott

Email: david@scottcpas.cpa

Website: https://scottcpas.cpa

Name: John Lankford

Email: John@scottcpas.cpa

Takeaways

• IRC §181 101: Deduct your share of qualified production costs in year one, often creating 3–4× deduction vs dollars invested.
• Participation matters: With ~500 hours of documented, meaningful involvement, losses may offset ordinary income (not just passive).
• Risk & upside: Immediate tax benefit is the “floor”; film performance can add upside via distribution and revenue share.
• Deals are structured: Budgets commonly $2–5M (sometimes higher); funding stacks mix state credits (often 35–40% in some states), foreign/domestic pre-sales (20–30%), and equity.
• Where projects film: States like GA/LA/NY are active; California recently improved incentives but has higher production costs.
• Investor experience: Regular updates, budgets, casting news, set visits, and premiere invites—you’re truly part of the process.
• Who’s a fit: Accredited investors with significant tax liability (e.g., high W-2 earners, liquidity events, or retirement payouts).
• Typical minimum: About $100,000 per project.
• Planning first: Integrate with your broader tax plan (W-2, K-1s, real estate, QBI, state impact).

Chapters
00:00 Welcome: Tax strategy meets the movie business; meet David Scott, CPA & producer John Lankford

01:13 Family ties & Scott CPAs origins (founded 1979; second-generation firm)

04:10 John’s path: on-camera start → backend film/TV work (BH90210, Melrose Place, Weeds, Nip/Tuck, Ocean’s 13) and venue ties (TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre)

07:35 Connecting film to taxes: IRC §181 and why deductions can exceed cash invested

09:50 How the deduction works: estimated production costs, “at-risk” concept, first-year expensing analogy

14:32 Passive vs ordinary income & material participation (~500 hrs); tracking involvement

19:09 State film credits: who claims them and how investors benefit via K-1

20:30 Risk management: experienced teams, credible producers, and where the upside comes from

25:38 What investors actually do: updates, budgets, set visits, and premieres

28:38 Indie vs studio: typical $2–5M budgets; credits + pre-sales + equity stack

32:42 Case example: investor offsets large tax from retirement/W-2 income using §181

35:51 Holistic planning: everything flows to the personal return

36:23 California vs federal: fed benefit leads; CA depreciation differences noted

38:29 Where incentives shine now; CA’s competitive push vs GA/LA/NY; cost realities

41:20 Who’s ideal for this strategy (and who isn’t)

45:07 Minimum investment (~$100k) & keeping investor counts manageable
47:11 How to connect + final takeaways

Is your marketing really working—or just draining your budget? In this episode, Heidi sits down with Tom Hootman, founder of Mixtape Digital, to unpack how businesses can calculate ROI, leverage AI responsibly, and build authentic marketing strategies that fuel long-term growth and valuation.

Summary

In this episode of the Slash Tax podcast, host Heidi Henderson speaks with Tom Hootman, founder and CEO of Mixtape Digital, about the evolving landscape of marketing. They discuss the importance of authenticity in marketing, the challenges of calculating ROI, and the impact of AI on the industry. Tom shares his journey in marketing, insights on lead generation, and the necessity of adapting to changes in digital marketing strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for businesses to be transparent, test different approaches, and maintain a human touch in their marketing efforts.

Guest Information:
Name: Tom Hootman

Email: tom@mixtapedigital.com
Website: https://www.mixtapedigital.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hootman/

TikTok/Other: https://x.com/The_Hootman

Takeaways

• Marketing should feel human and authentic.
• Understanding ROI is crucial for effective marketing.
• Lead generation is a primary focus of marketing efforts.
• AI is changing the landscape of marketing but won't replace jobs.
• Authenticity builds credibility and trust with clients.
• Testing and learning are essential for successful marketing strategies.
• Businesses must adapt to the evolving digital marketing landscape.
• Transparency in marketing efforts fosters better client relationships.
• The importance of being present across multiple marketing channels.
• Consistency in marketing efforts leads to better results.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marketing and Authenticity

03:00 Tom Hootman's Journey in Marketing

05:56 The Evolution of Marketing Strategies

09:12 Understanding ROI in Marketing

12:07 Lead Generation and Marketing Effectiveness

15:00 Navigating AI in Marketing

18:01 The Future of Marketing Jobs and AI

28:12 The Evolution of Media Planning and Audience Intelligence

30:11 The Role of AI in Marketing

31:50 The Importance of Human Element in AI

33:06 Content Gating and Its Implications

36:39 Strategies for Business Growth

39:12 Authenticity in Professional Services

41:43 Testing and Learning in Marketing

43:19 Mixtape Digital: Services and Philosophy

44:30 The Story Behind Mixtape Digital

50:08 Innovative Swag Ideas for Events