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Tax Strategies for High Earners: Smart Planning for Mid-Career Professionals

For mid-career professionals, reaching a higher income bracket is a milestone—one that brings both opportunities and challenges. Along with increased earning power comes a higher tax burden, which can significantly impact your ability to save, invest, and plan for retirement. Understanding and implementing strategic tax planning can help improve your after-tax wealth while positioning yourself for long-term financial success.

 

1. Maximize Retirement Contributions

High earners can leverage retirement accounts to reduce taxable income while saving for the future.

  • 401(k) and 403(b) plans: Contributing the maximum allowed ($24,500 in 2026 for those under age 50; $32,500 for most individuals age 50 or older; and up to $35,750 for eligible participants ages 60–63 under SECURE 2.0) can lower taxable income while building retirement savings.
  • Traditional IRA: Depending on your income and whether you’re covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan, contributions may be tax-deductible.
  • Backdoor Roth IRA: If your income exceeds the Roth IRA contribution limits, a backdoor Roth strategy allows you to convert non-deductible IRA contributions into tax-free growth. However, be aware of the IRS pro-rata rule, which may create taxable income if you already own pre-tax IRA assets.

 

2. Consider Tax-Advantaged Savings Vehicles

Beyond retirement accounts, certain accounts and plans can provide valuable tax benefits.

  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and can be withdrawn tax-free for qualified medical expenses.
  • Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans: If your employer offers one, you may be able to defer a portion of your compensation, reducing current taxable income. Keep in mind that these plans generally remain subject to your employer’s financial stability because the assets typically remain part of the employer’s general assets.

 

3. Leverage Itemized Deductions and Credits

While many taxpayers claim the standard deduction, high earners may benefit from itemizing deductions.

  • Charitable giving: Donor-advised funds allow you to make a large charitable contribution in one year while distributing grants to charities over time. Donating appreciated securities may also provide additional tax benefits.
  • Mortgage interest and property taxes: Although deductions remain subject to current tax law limitations, they may still reduce taxable income for eligible taxpayers.
  • State and local tax (SALT) planning: Be mindful of the federal SALT deduction limitation. Business owners may benefit from pass-through entity tax (PTET) elections, where available, and other state-specific tax planning opportunities.

 

4. Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies

Investments can generate significant tax liability if not managed carefully.

  • Capital gains timing: Holding investments for more than one year generally qualifies gains for the lower long-term capital gains tax rates.
  • Tax-loss harvesting: Selling investments at a loss can offset realized capital gains and potentially reduce taxable income.
  • Municipal bonds: Interest is generally exempt from federal income tax and may also be exempt from state income tax if you purchase bonds issued by your home state. Some municipal bonds, however, may have different tax treatment.

 

5. Strategic Use of Business Structures

For professionals with business income, careful entity selection and tax planning can help reduce taxes.

  • S corporation election: For certain business owners whose businesses generate profits beyond a reasonable salary, an S corporation may reduce self-employment taxes by allowing a portion of earnings to be distributed as dividends rather than wages.
  • Retirement plans and fringe benefits: Business owners may benefit from SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, cash balance plans, HSAs, and other tax-advantaged employee benefits to reduce taxable income while building wealth.

 

6. Plan for the Future: Estate and Gift Tax Considerations

High earners should also consider strategies for transferring wealth efficiently.

  • Annual gifting: The annual federal gift tax exclusion is $19,000 per recipient in 2026, allowing individuals to transfer assets without using their lifetime gift and estate tax exemption.
  • Trusts: Depending on your objectives, certain trust structures can help manage estate taxes, protect assets, and ensure your wealth is distributed according to your wishes.

 

Key Takeaways

A high income can be a significant advantage when paired with proactive tax planning. Mid-career professionals should focus on maximizing retirement contributions, utilizing tax-advantaged savings vehicles, implementing tax-efficient investment strategies, structuring business income appropriately, and incorporating long-term estate planning into their financial strategy.

Because tax laws and contribution limits change regularly, working with a financial planner and tax professional can help identify opportunities tailored to your unique circumstances and ensure you’re taking advantage of available tax-saving strategies. The earlier you begin planning, the greater the potential to build and preserve long-term wealth. Contact a Vertex Advisor to discuss your individual situation at in**@************rs.com.

 

 

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal.  Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax.

A Roth IRA conversion—sometimes called a backdoor Roth strategy—is a way to contribute to a Roth IRA when income exceeds standard limits. The converted amount is treated as taxable income and may affect your tax bracket. Federal, state, and local taxes may apply. If you’re required to take a minimum distribution in the year of conversion, it must be completed before converting.

To qualify for tax-free withdrawals, you must generally be age 59½ and hold the converted funds in the Roth IRA for at least five years. Each conversion has its own five-year period, and early withdrawals may be subject to a 10% penalty unless an exception applies. Income limits still apply for future direct Roth IRA contributions.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional regarding your individual circumstances. Municipal bonds are subject to availability and change in price. They are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise. Interest income may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. Municipal bonds are federally tax-free but other state and local taxes may apply.  If sold prior to maturity, capital gains tax could apply.

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Peter M. Babilla, CFP®, CRPS®

PARTNER

Peter Babilla brings 40 years of experience in investment management and fiduciary* financial consulting to Vertex Planning Partners, LLC.

Pete graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana with a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance.

He began his career in 1983 with a focus on institutional fixed-income portfolio management, primarily working with community banks. After a decade serving institutional clients, Pete shifted his focus to working with individuals, families and business owners, providing guidance and education in all areas of Wealth Management.  Among his areas of focus are accumulation and retirement planning, investment management, risk management, and estate and wealth transfer.

Pete’s planning philosophy allows him to create a personalized program for clients, based on their own unique goals and circumstances.  The extensive investment and planning platform offered by Vertex enables him to create a highly customized program, tailored to each individual client.

Pete and his wife Suzanne have two children, and have resided in Wheaton, Illinois for the past 30 years.  He enjoys golf, reading, and traveling with his family.  Pete gives back as a past Board Member of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, where his focus is on improving the lives of those living with epilepsy.

Pete works as fiduciary for his clients and holds the CERTIFIED FIANANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation and the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®) designation.

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JUSTIN J. D'AGOSTINO, CFP®, TPCP®, ChFC®, CRPC®

PARTNER

Justin D’Agostino joined Vertex Partners in 2019 and serves a select group of business owners and affluent families. He specializes in investments, financial planning, and succession planning. His interest and knowledge in providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services to clients was sparked when he worked at a boutique tax and wealth management firm in Michigan. He has nine years of experience in the financial services industry, and his mission is to provide every client with targeted, comprehensive financial advice and to help them implement customized strategies designed to move them closer to accomplishing their unique goals.

Justin attended Hillsdale College where he earned his BA in Accounting and Financial Management and was a member and captain of the football team. Justin is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, and holds the Tax Planning Certified Professional®, Chartered Financial Consultant® and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designations.

Justin and his wife, Alexandra, reside in Chicago, Illinois. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys golfing, playing soccer and spending summer weekends with his family.

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Scott A. Sandee CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CEPA

MANAGING PARTNER

Scott Sandee brings over 20 years of experience to his role as Managing Partner of Vertex Planning Partners, leading the firm’s efforts to assist middle-market business owners and eight and nine-figure families in comprehensive planning. We enable clients to achieve their financial goals by tailoring solutions to their unique aspirations and situations. Leveraging his experience in sophisticated investment techniques and financial strategies with privately held family businesses, supported by extensive post-graduate education focused on exit planning, wealth management, estate planning, investment analysis, insurance planning, risk management, and tax optimization, he:

  • Assist owners in preparing for and executing a successful transition.
  • Develop financial strategies to maximize sales proceeds and reduce future taxes.
  • Listen carefully and create personalized solutions that reflect each client’s unique hopes, goals, and concerns.
  • Explain complex and technical concepts with clarity and simplicity.

 

Scott guides successful entrepreneurs and wealthy families through the transfer of ownership of their privately held companies.

Designations: Certified Financial Planner® Certified Private Wealth Advisor® Certified Investment Management Analyst® Certified Exit Planning Advisor Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor

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Julie Hupp CFP®, MBA

PARTNER

Julie Hupp, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, has worked in the accounting and corporate finance field since 1987. She began her career as a CPA with Deloitte & Touche, specializing in the financial needs of small businesses. Then spent the next 13 years in corporate financial planning and business development at Baxter and TAP Pharmaceuticals. Recognizing her passion for personal financial planning, Julie started her business in 2006 where she focuses on comprehensive financial planning strategies and implementation.

Julie graduated from University of Illinois with a BS in Accountancy. She received her Master’s in Management with a concentration in Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 1994.

Outside the office, Julie is the co-founder of the 12 Oaks Foundation, which has merged with Cal’s Angels, and is a former Board member. Julie enjoys cooking, reading, running, triathlons and doing almost anything outdoors. A great weekend is spending time with her husband and two adult kids boating at their lake house in Wisconsin.

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Steven P. Franzen, CPA, PFS, CGMA

MANAGING PARTNER

Steven P. Franzen, CPA, PFS, CGMA is a public accountant and consultant with more than 23 years of experience helping individuals and businesses reduce their tax liability.  He began his career under the guidance of Patrick M. De Sio, CPA, CGMA and in 1996 became Mr. De Sio’s partner in De Sio, Franzen & Associates, Ltd. Steve’s expertise include entity design, complex tax strategies and multigenerational wealth transfer.  As Managing Partner, Steve conducts his practice under the philosophy that the client’s investment in their CPA should yield a return on that investment – most of the time that return is realized when working with clients on planning for their future. In an effort to increase the planning capabilities of the firm,  Steve formed Vertex Accounting Partners, LLC to ensure their guiding philosophy will continue well into the future.

Steve is a certified public accountant and has earned the professional designations of Personal Financial Specialist and Chartered Global Management Accountant.  He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.  Steve earned a B.S. degree in accounting from Millikin University.  He and his wife Kristie live in Sugar Grove, IL with their three children.

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Gregory P. Benner, MST, CPWA®, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, AIF®, RMA®

MANAGING PARTNER

Greg Benner advises high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth business owners, individuals and families on advanced tax, risk management, retirement, estate planning, and wealth strategies.  

As a co-founder of Vertex Planning Partners, he works closely with clients, families, and their professional advisors—CPAs, attorneys, and business stakeholders—to implement thoughtful, durable planning strategies. His approach prioritizes clarity, coordination, and disciplined execution.

For twenty-four years, Greg’s work has focused on designing and coordinating multi-factor, integrated plans involving:

  • Tax Efficiency
  • Wealth Transfer Structures
  • Retirement Planning
  • Investment Strategy, and
  • Long-Term Financial Architecture

 

Drawing from his own experience as a founder, business and real estate investor, and multi-generational family business member, he understands some of the challenges that can arise for business owners as they consider an exit. Multi-disciplinary, intentional planning with stakeholder communication creates structure, mitigates risk, addresses tax implications, and preempts issues that can arise.

Greg holds a Master of Science in Taxation, a graduate program that deepened his technical training in federal income taxation, partnership and corporate taxation, estate and gift tax, and tax procedure. This academic work enhances his ability to help families and business owners navigate complex tax environments and align their financial and estate-planning objectives across generations.

Designations:

  • Certified Private Wealth Advisor®
  • Certified Financial Planner®
  • Chartered Financial Consultant®
  • Chartered Life Underwriter®
  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary®
  • Retirement Management Advisor®

 

Licenses:

  • Series 65 registration held with Vertex Planning Partners, LLC
    Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin & Louisiana Life & Health Insurance License

 

Greg is deeply committed to lifelong learning and continuous professional development in the areas of tax, estate planning, and private-wealth strategy.

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Michael D. Bellis, CFP®, CLU®

MANAGING PARTNER

Michael D. Bellis, CFP®, CLU® began his career as a financial planning professional in 1994. His practice is centered on holistic financial planning, astute risk management strategies and empirical, research-driven portfolio construction. He began his career in partnership with his father under the name Bellis & Associates. Together, their practice and reputation for excellence dates back more than 40 years and includes multiple generations of the same families. After his father’s retirement several years ago, Mike continued to build a client-centric, consultative practice before forming Vertex.

Mike holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and is also a Chartered Life Underwriter. He has been an active member of both the Society of Financial Services Professionals and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He earned a B.S. in Business & Marketing from Illinois State University. Mike is a lifelong resident of Naperville, Illinois. He and his wife Tanja have three children.

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