Advertise on podcast: ACap ReCap: Financial and Tax Tips

Identity theft can show up as a 1099 for income you never earned. In this episode, we share the 5 steps to take right now to protect your credit, your bank accounts, and your tax return. A client recently received an erroneous 1099 from a vendor they never worked with, a clear sign their Social Security number had been compromised. We walk through how to pull your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, how to freeze your credit so no one can open new accounts in your name, why you should update your bank and credit card passwords, how to set up an IRS online account to see what income has been reported under your SSN, and how an IRS Identity Protection PIN helps stop someone from filing a tax return in your name. 🔗 Resources  IRS Identity Protection PIN: https://www.irs.gov/ippin IRS online account: https://www.irs.gov/account Free credit reports: https://www.annualcreditreport.com Identity theft recovery: https://www.identitytheft.gov 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Follow/subscribe so you never miss a new one.  ⭐ A quick rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify helps us reach more people. It takes 30 seconds and affects how these platforms surface the show to new listeners.  📺 Prefer video? Watch this and more on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Acapam 📞 Work with us: www.acapam.com 💬 Got a topic you want us to cover next? Drop a comment on YouTube or reach out through the website. ⚠️ This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized tax, legal, or financial advice. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

5 tax strategies that sound illegal but are 100% legal — used every year by high-net-worth earners to keep more of what they make. Here's exactly how the backdoor Roth IRA, the Augusta Rule, tax-loss harvesting, portfolio-based loans, and the 0% capital gains bracket actually work. In this episode, ACap Advisors & Accountants breaks down five completely legal, IRS-compliant strategies used by financial advisors and tax professionals to help high-income earners and business owners preserve wealth and invest tax-efficiently. You'll learn how a backdoor Roth IRA conversion works around Roth income limits, how the Augusta Rule lets you rent your home to your own business tax-free for up to 14 days a year, why tax-loss harvesting reduces taxable capital gains, how securities-backed lending lets you access cash without triggering a taxable sale, and how the 0% long-term capital gains tax bracket can apply even to high earners depending on total taxable income.  Follow/subscribe so you never miss a new one.  ⭐ A quick rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify helps us reach more people — it takes 30 seconds and genuinely affects how these platforms surface the show to new listeners.  📺 Prefer video? Watch this and more on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Acapam 📞 Work with us: https://www.acapam.com 💬 Got a topic you want us to cover next? Drop a comment on YouTube or reach out through the website. ⚠️ This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor before implementing any strategy discussed here. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

Cost segregation is one of the most powerful tax strategies available to real estate investors, but it is often misunderstood. In this episode, Ara Oghoorian breaks down how cost segregation works, why it can significantly increase depreciation deductions, and how rental property owners can use it to reduce taxable income and improve cash flow. Through a practical example, he explains how a cost segregation study reclassifies components of a building into shorter depreciation schedules, allowing investors to accelerate tax benefits. Ara also discusses the three major advantages of cost segregation, including larger deductions, the ability to offset income from other rental properties, and potential tax savings. He then covers the drawbacks investors need to consider, including reduced future depreciation, passive activity loss limitations, and depreciation recapture when a property is sold. Whether you own apartment buildings, commercial real estate, or are considering your first rental property investment, this episode provides a practical overview of when cost segregation may, and may not, make sense for your tax strategy. Key Topics Discussed: What cost segregation isAccelerated depreciation explainedCost segregation studies and how they workTax benefits for rental property ownersOffsetting rental income with depreciationPassive activity loss considerationsDepreciation recapture risksWhen cost segregation makes senseCommon mistakes real estate investors makeFor more tax and financial planning insights, visit ACAP Advisors & Accountants. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

Want to open a Trump Account for your child and claim the possible $1,000 government contribution? In this video, CPA and wealth manager Ara Oghoorian walks through IRS Form 4547 line by line, explains who qualifies, and shows exactly how to complete the form correctly. Learn how Trump Accounts work, who is eligible, contribution limits, and how parents can open the account before funding begins in July 2026. Trump Accounts are one of the biggest new child investing opportunities created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and understanding the setup process now can help parents avoid mistakes later. In this video:  • What a Trump Account is  • Who qualifies for the account  • How the $1,000 government contribution works  • Trump Account contribution limits explained  • How to complete IRS Form 4547  • Information needed to open the account  • Online filing vs filing with your tax return  • Important July 2026 funding timeline  • Parent, grandparent, and guardian rules  • Traditional IRA comparison If you have questions about Trump Accounts, retirement planning, tax strategy, or investing for your children, contact us below. 🌐 Contact ACAP Advisors & Accountants:  https://www.acapam.com/contact/ #TrumpAccount #IRSForm4547 #TrumpAccounts #InvestingForKids #ChildInvestmentAccount #FinancialPlanning #TaxStrategy #RetirementPlanning #WealthManagement #CPA #FamilyFinance #OneBigBeautifulBillAct www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

Trump Accounts and IRAs are not the same, but used together, they can create a powerful head start for a child’s financial future. Ara explains how Trump Accounts compare to Traditional and Roth IRAs, including eligibility rules, contribution limits, investment restrictions, tax treatment, withdrawal rules, and planning opportunities for children with or without earned income. He also covers the $1,000 government seed contribution, employer contributions, Roth IRA conversions at age 18, and why Trump Accounts function like a hybrid retirement account for kids. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

Graduating is more than the end of school, it is the beginning of your financial life. In this episode, Ara shares the money advice every graduate should hear before lifestyle inflation, debt, and bad habits take over. Learn how to open a Roth IRA, automate savings, build credit, create an emergency fund, save 20% of your income, understand taxes, and make smart decisions with your first 401(k). Whether you are starting with a minimum wage job or a high income career, these early financial moves can put you years ahead. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

Ara breaks down the new Trump Accounts created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a tax advantaged investment account designed for children. In this episode, you’ll learn who qualifies, how the $1,000 government deposit works, contribution limits, investment restrictions, withdrawal rules, and why these accounts could become a powerful long term wealth building tool for kids. Ara also explains the potential planning opportunities for parents, employers, and business owners, plus what guidance is still pending from the IRS and Treasury www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

Is investing in the S&P 500 enough to build real wealth, or are you leaving money and protection on the table? Before you go all in on index funds, understand what the S&P 500 does well and where it falls short. In this episode, Ara Oghoorian breaks down the reality behind one of the most recommended investment strategies in the world. While the S&P 500 is often praised for its simplicity, low cost, and long term performance, many investors misunderstand its limitations and risks. You will learn what the S&P 500 actually is, why it has become so popular, and how index funds allow you to invest in it. Ara also explains the key benefits including diversification, low expenses, liquidity, and built in global exposure. But more importantly, this episode challenges the idea that the S&P 500 should be your only investment. From lack of true diversification to exposure to market volatility and missed opportunities in other sectors, Ara walks through the critical gaps that could impact your long term financial plan. You will also hear a powerful breakdown of historical performance showing why the S&P 500 is not always the top performing index, and what that means for your portfolio strategy. If you are serious about financial planning, retirement investing, and building a smarter tax efficient portfolio, this is a must listen. Want help building a diversified investment strategy that aligns with your goals?  Contact us at https://www.acapam.com/contact/ www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

If you’ve ever looked at your paycheck and wondered where your money is going, Social Security is a big piece of that puzzle. But most people don’t fully understand how it works, until it’s almost time to rely on it. In this episode, we break down Social Security in simple, practical terms so you can understand exactly what you’re paying into, what you’re getting back, and how to make smarter decisions around it. From how FICA taxes work to how your benefits are calculated, this is a complete walkthrough of one of the most important retirement income sources. We cover how the system is funded, why Social Security is not a personal savings account, and how your highest 35 years of earnings determine your benefit. You’ll also learn how work credits work, what it takes to qualify, and how timing your claim can significantly impact your lifetime income. Most importantly, we dive into strategy. When should you claim, early or late? How does delaying benefits increase your income? And how can these decisions affect your overall financial planning and retirement investing strategy? If you want to avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions about your retirement income, this episode will give you the clarity you need. Topics Covered: Social Security basics and history How Social Security taxes work (FICA explained) Income limits and contribution caps How benefits are calculated Work credits and eligibility Full retirement age vs early claiming How to maximize your Social Security income Key financial planning considerations for retirement If you want help building a personalized Social Security and retirement strategy, reach out to our team. We can help you make the right decisions to maximize your income and minimize taxes. www.acapam.com. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

Most taxpayers do not realize how expensive IRS penalties can get until it is too late. In this episode, Ara breaks down the two main IRS penalties, failure to file and failure to pay, and explains why filing late can cost far more than simply paying late. Using real dollar examples, he shows how a $4,000 tax bill can quickly grow with monthly penalties, daily compounding interest, and added charges on unpaid balances. He also clears up a major misconception about tax extensions, explaining why an extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. You will also learn practical ways to reduce the damage, including filing immediately, setting up an IRS installment agreement, and asking about first time penalty abatement if you qualify. This episode is essential for anyone who wants to avoid unnecessary IRS penalties and make smarter tax decisions when money is tight. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

How Social Security Is Taxed, Avoid the 85% Tax Trap and Lower Your Retirement Taxes Most retirees don’t realize up to 85% of their Social Security can become taxable, and one small mistake can cost you thousands. In this video, Ara, wealth manager and CPA, breaks down exactly how Social Security benefits are taxed and how the IRS determines what portion of your income becomes taxable. This is one of the most misunderstood areas of retirement planning, and getting it wrong can significantly increase your lifetime tax bill. We start with the fundamentals so you understand how the system works from the ground up. You’ll learn how to qualify for Social Security using the 40 credit system, how benefits are calculated using your highest 35 earning years, and how inflation adjustments impact your final payout. From there, we walk through the IRS combined income formula, which determines whether your benefits are taxed at 0%, 50%, or up to 85%. This is not based on standard tax brackets, and that’s where many retirees get caught off guard. We also break down real examples so you can clearly see how different income levels impact how much of your Social Security becomes taxable. Finally, we cover advanced tax planning strategies to help reduce the tax impact, including: • Timing when you claim Social Security • Managing IRA and 401k withdrawals • Strategic Roth conversions • Using Qualified Charitable Distributions to lower taxable income The goal is simple, keep more of what you’ve earned and avoid unnecessary taxes in retirement. If you want to build a smarter retirement income strategy that integrates tax planning, investments, and Social Security, this is a must-watch. For personalized financial planning, retirement investing, and tax strategy guidance: https://www.acapam.com/contact/ #SocialSecurity #RetirementPlanning #TaxStrategy #FinancialPlanning #RetirementIncome www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

How to Open Your First Investment Account and Buy Your First Investment, Step by Step Guide If you have never invested before, this episode walks you through the exact process to open your first brokerage account, deposit money, and buy your first investment without beginner mistakes. Learn the simple order of operations most new investors never get taught. Many people delay investing because they believe it is complicated or that they need a lot of money to start. In reality, getting started is straightforward when you understand the basic steps. In this episode, we break down exactly how investment accounts work and how beginners can start investing with confidence. You will learn what an investment account actually is, where to open one, and which type of account most beginners should start with. We also explain how to fund your account using ACH transfers, wires, or check deposits, and how to place your first investment purchase. We also cover one of the most common starting points for new investors, an S&P 500 index fund, and why it offers instant diversification across hundreds of companies. Finally, we discuss several beginner mistakes that can hurt long term results, including overtrading, buying investments you do not understand, and leaving cash sitting uninvested. If you are new to investing and want a clear, step by step roadmap, this episode will show you exactly how to open your account, fund it, and make your first investment. Topics covered include: • What an investment brokerage account is • Where to open an investment account • How to transfer money into your brokerage account • How to buy your first investment • Why many beginners start with an S&P 500 index fund • Common mistakes new investors make If you have questions or topics you would like covered in a future episode, leave a comment and let us know. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

Your Social Security check can drop by hundreds per month without warning. The reason is IRMAA, the Medicare surcharge that catches many retirees off guard. In this episode, we break down exactly how IRMAA works in 2026, how the two year income look back rule impacts your Medicare premiums, and why higher Part B and Part D costs quietly reduce your monthly Social Security deposit. You will learn: • What IRMAA is and why it functions like a stealth tax • How modified adjusted gross income determines your surcharge • The 2026 IRMAA income brackets and premium jumps • Why one high income year can follow you into retirement • How IRMAA directly reduces your Social Security benefit • When and how to appeal using Form SSA 44 • Smart planning strategies to avoid unnecessary Medicare premium increases • How Roth conversions, capital gains, and RMDs can trigger higher premiums If you are approaching Medicare, already collecting Social Security, or planning income in your early sixties, this episode is essential listening. The key is proactive income planning before Medicare begins, not reacting after your check gets smaller. Understanding IRMAA is not optional if you want to protect your retirement income. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) can be a powerful wealth-building tool — or a tax headache if mismanaged. In this episode, we break down exactly how RSUs work, when you can sell them, how they’re taxed, and the key decisions high-income professionals need to make after vesting. You’ll learn: What RSUs actually are (and what “vesting” really means)When you can sell your shares — and whether you shouldThe difference between income tax and capital gains tax on RSUsHow short-term vs. long-term capital gains impact your returnWhy concentration risk can quietly destroy your portfolioHow cash flow needs and tax-loss harvesting strategies factor inWe also address one of the biggest misconceptions: Are RSUs double taxed? (Short answer: no — but there are two tax components you must understand.) If you’re receiving equity compensation or planning around company stock, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make smarter, forward-thinking decisions with your RSUs. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips

Why can’t I contribute to a Roth IRA if I make too much? The answer almost always comes down to one thing — Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). In this episode, we break down the difference between Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) — two terms that sound similar but have very different impacts on your financial life. You’ll learn: How AGI is calculated directly from your tax returnWhat income counts (W-2 wages, capital gains, rental income, RSUs, Social Security, business income, and more)Which deductions reduce your AGI (HSA contributions, SEP/SIMPLE IRA, self-employed health insurance, student loan interest, etc.)Why itemized deductions and the standard deduction do NOT affect AGIHow MAGI is calculated by adding certain items back to AGIWhy MAGI determines eligibility for Roth IRA contributions, premium tax credits, education credits, child tax credits, and income-based student loan repaymentWe also explain why lenders care about AGI — and why taxpayers often misunderstand what actually lowers it. If you’ve ever been told your income is “too high” for a Roth IRA contribution, this episode will make it clear why — and what that really means for your tax planning strategy. This is core tax planning knowledge. And if you earn a strong income, it’s not optional. www.acapam.com ACap's Financial Quick Tips