Client Results

Case Studies: Real Plan Designs, Real Tax Savings

Every engagement starts with the same question: how much can this specific owner deduct? These case studies show the actual design decisions — entity election, W-2 compensation, 401(k) and profit-sharing stacking, cash balance funding — and the numbers behind each outcome.

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See how the conversation starts for your business

These stories show the questions behind a plan design. Bring your own age, income, entity type, and team to the same review.

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Tax deferred per year

$101,850

Reported; about 50% combined bracket

Annual contributions, $203,700

  • 401(k) salary deferral$23,000
  • Profit sharing$20,700
  • Cash balance contribution$160,000

$101,850 Taxes Saved | Solo Professional

Locum Physician Case Study: $101,850 Saved Annually

A 39-year-old 1099 orthopedic surgeon with no retirement plan deducted $203,700 through a 401(k) profit-sharing and cash balance combination, deferring a reported $101,850 a year in federal and state income tax.

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Net tax savings per year

$152,650

Reported, after $35,000 of staff funding

Annual contributions, $452,000

  • Owners: 401(k) deferrals$47,000
  • Owners: cash balance$370,000
  • Staff: safe harbor and profit sharing$35,000

60% tax reduction | Dental Practice

Orthodontist Case Study: 60% Tax Cut, Staff Covered

A fast-growing orthodontic practice with a staff in their twenties amended its 401(k) to safe-harbor status and added a cross-tested cash balance plan, lifting the owners' deductible contributions from $47,000 to $417,000 for $35,000 of employee funding.

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Tax reduction per year

$169,515

Reported; assumes 37% federal + 8% state

Annual contributions, $402,500

  • 401(k) salary deferral$31,000
  • Profit sharing$20,700
  • Cash balance (insured)$325,000
  • After-tax to Roth 401(k)$25,800

50% tax reduction | Consulting Firm

S-Corp Consultant Case Study: 50% Lower Tax Burden

A 53-year-old consultant with $800,000 of Schedule C income elected S-corp status, set a $350,000 W-2, and stacked a 401(k), profit sharing, an insured cash balance plan, and a mega-backdoor Roth, reducing reported federal and state tax by $169,515.

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Case studies are illustrative, based on real client engagements with names and identifying details changed. Results depend on age, income, entity type, employee demographics, plan design, and federal and state tax rates, and are not a guarantee or projection of your outcome. This content is educational and is not individualized tax, legal, or investment advice — consult a qualified professional before acting.

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