Pick FSA ($5K pre-tax) OR credit — whichever saves more at your bracket.
Dep Care FSA: $5K/yr pre-tax (federal + FICA + state) — 32%+ marginal saver wins here. Dep Care Credit: 20–35% on first $3K single / $6K two kids — better below ~$45K AGI. FSA + credit CANNOT double-dip on same expenses. Two-kid family in 32% bracket saves ~$2K via FSA vs $1,200 credit.
Click Generate advisory deep dive for mechanics, IRC citations, a step-by-step execution plan, a worked numeric example on your profile, costs, risks, and this-week actions.
Kids under 18 in sole prop/parent-partnership: no FICA, no FUTA — up to $14,600 tax-free earned income.
Match your working teen's Roth contributions — $7K/yr compounding tax-free for 60 years.
Grandparent-owned 529s no longer hurt FAFSA aid — superfund + let it grow.
Tax-free savings up to $100K for disabled dependents without losing SSI/Medicaid eligibility.
Gift FLP interests to kids at 25–35% valuation discount — turbo-charge estate reduction.
Legitimate spouse employment doubles retirement contributions + adds §105 HRA option.
Employ your college-age kid in the C-corp → $5,250/yr tax-free tuition assistance.
Trust with withdrawal rights → annual $19K gifts qualify for exclusion, grow tax-sheltered.