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Last week, while my 9-month-old Kainalu was “helping” me sort tax documents, I remembered something crucial that most business owners overlook. It wasn’t the stack of receipts on my desk or the 1099s in my inbox – it was sitting right in my pocket.

But first, let me tell you about Sarah, a real estate agent who came to me last tax season.

“I probably drove 20,000 business miles last year,” she said, “but I only tracked maybe 2,000 of them.”

That hurt. At the 2024 standard mileage rate of 67 cents per mile, those untracked miles cost her over $12,000 in deductions.

That’s when I showed her what I’m about to show you.

The $7,432 Solution
There’s an app called MileIQ (and no, I’m not sponsored by them) that’s basically Tinder for your car rides. Here’s how it works:

• It automatically tracks every drive
• You swipe right for business, left for personal
• It calculates your tax deduction instantly

Simple, right?

The Real Numbers
Let’s break this down:

• Average business owner drives 15,000 business miles annually
• At 67 cents per mile = $10,050 deduction
• In the 24% tax bracket? That’s $2,412 saved
• Plus self-employment tax savings of about $1,537
• Total tax savings: $3,949

But Wait, What About Actual Expenses?
Yes, you can deduct actual car expenses instead of mileage. But here’s what 15 years as an Enrolled Agent has taught me: for most business owners, mileage wins. (Except for you, Truck owners – we need to talk!)

Why Most Business Owners Leave Money on the Table

• “I’ll remember to log my miles later” (No, you won’t)
• “I’ll just estimate” (The IRS loves this… not)
• “I’ll keep a paper log” (Until you forget it exists)

The Simple Solution

1. Download MileIQ
2. Let it run in the background
3. Swipe rides during your coffee break
4. Watch your tax savings grow

But Here’s the Thing…
The app is just one piece of the puzzle. To maximize your tax savings, you need a comprehensive tax strategy that looks at every aspect of your business.

Want to know how much you could be saving?

Email me at info@andrewsamaniego.com for:

• A free tax savings estimate
• Current tax preparation pricing
• My “Top 10 Overlooked Business Deductions” guide

Don’t let another year of deductions drive away. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.

Andrew “Driver Saver” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com

P.S. Tax season starts in two weeks. The earlier you get your strategy in place, the more you’ll save.

There I was, sitting in the pediatrician’s office for my son Kainalu’s 9-month checkup, watching him charm everyone while secretly counting the number of coughs in the waiting room. You know the drill – you arrive, wait, get called in, and the doctor asks, “Any concerns?”

I looked down at Kainalu, jokingly waiting for him to pipe up with his medical history (spoiler: he just gave his signature gummy smile). The doctor took some measurements, and just like that, we were done. Kainalu’s in the 92nd percentile for height, probably all those Hawaii genes!

But this routine appointment got me thinking about how most people handle their taxes. They show up once a year, hand over some forms, answer “nope, nothing new,” and walk away thinking everything’s fine.

Here’s the scary part: You might be accidentally lying to the IRS.

“Wait, what? How?”

Let me ask you this:

• Did you receive money through Venmo last year?
• Receive payment via PayPal for that side gig?
• Sell something on Facebook Marketplace?
• Get paid through Zelle for splitting bills?

Here’s what most people don’t know: Starting in 2024, payment apps are required to report transactions totaling over $5,000 to the IRS. That means there’s a form out there with your name on it that you might not even know exists.

Real Story Time:
Last week, a client came to me panicking. She’d filed her 2023 taxes through TurboTax, thinking everything was fine. Then she got a letter from the IRS about unreported income. Turns out, her occasional dog-sitting gig through Rover generated a 1099-NEC she never received. The form went to an old email address.

The IRS knew about the income before she did.

This is where transcript monitoring comes in.

Think of it like having a security camera for your tax life. Instead of waiting for surprise letters from the IRS, we can see exactly what they see about your financial life – before you file.

What We Monitor:

• Income reported by employers
• Payment app transactions
• Investment account activity
• Retirement account distributions
• And dozens more data points

Most tax monitoring services charge $295/month for this peace of mind. But in honor of Kainalu’s impressive 92nd percentile height milestone (yes, I’m that proud dad), I’m offering my network access for just $92/month.

What You Get:

• Monthly transcript reviews
• Early warning of unreported income
• Documentation of all IRS records
• Peace of mind before filing
• Direct access to me for questions

Think of it like those regular doctor checkups – it’s better to catch things early than deal with problems later.

Ready to stop worrying about surprise tax forms?
Email info@andrewsamaniego.com with:

• Your name
• Best contact number
• Whether you’ve received IRS notices before

I’ll send you:

• Service details
• Signup instructions
• Sample monitoring report

Don’t wait for the IRS to find something you missed. Let’s catch it first.

P.S. Unlike my son’s doctor appointments, you won’t have to sit in any waiting rooms for this service. Everything’s handled digitally!

P.P.S. Know someone who uses payment apps for their side hustle? Share this with them – they’ll thank you later.

Aloha Tax Explorers!

Missing my daily tax tips? Well, I’ve been busy discovering what might be Hawaii’s best-kept secret — the island of Molokaʻi. And surprisingly, it taught me an important lesson about taxes and life that I need to share with you.

Picture this:
• No traffic lights
• Just 3 small markets
• A handful of “restaurants”
• Everything closes by 1:30 PM
• The most pristine, untouched beaches you’ve ever seen

It’s like stepping back in time to a simpler Hawaii. But here’s what struck me — even on this remote island where time seems to stand still, there were two things you couldn’t escape: breathtaking sunsets and… taxes.

Yes, even in paradise, taxes are a reality. But here’s the difference: The locals here have mastered something many of us struggle with — they don’t let it consume their lives.

Speaking of life’s precious moments, today was extra special. Our son Kainalu was baptized here in Oahu, surrounded by our Hawaiian ohana while my mainland family joined via Zoom. It was one of those perfect moments that remind you what really matters.

And it got me thinking…

How many of us spend the holiday season:
• Stressing about upcoming tax deadlines?
• Worrying about last year’s unfiled returns?
• Missing family moments because we’re sorting through receipts?
• Pushing off joy because of financial anxiety?

The Molokaʻi Lesson:
Life will always have its complexities (like taxes), but we get to choose how much power they have over our special moments.

Here’s What I Propose:

Let’s make 2024 the year you handle taxes like a Molokaʻi local — with calm confidence and plenty of time for what matters most.

I’m putting together a special “2024 Tax Season Peace of Mind Package” for my email subscribers, including:
• Early-bird scheduling privileges
• Monthly tax organization tips
• Key 2024 tax law updates
• Special rates for early preparation

How to Never Miss a Family Moment Due to Tax Stress:

Comment below with your biggest tax season challenge
Subscribe to my email list
Get priority scheduling for 2024
While our office will be operating via email until January (yes, even tax pros need family time!), I promise you this: Subscribe now, and you’ll be first in line when we return.

As I prepare to celebrate Kanoe’s birthday tomorrow and welcome the New Year, I’m grateful for this community and the trust you place in me.

From my family to yours, Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! (Happy New Year!)

Until Next Time,

Andrew “Sunset” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268–1084 | AndrewSamaniego.com

P.S. Ever been to Molokaʻi? Share your favorite “off the beaten path” Hawaii story in the comments. Or tell me about your special family moment that reminded you what’s truly important!

I’m writing this from my hotel room in Orlando, surrounded by the magic of Disney World. But my mind keeps drifting 2,400 miles away to my little boy, Kainalu, back home in San Diego.

Yesterday was a big day for our family. Bigger than any IRS battle I’ve ever fought (and I’ve fought many). It was Kainalu’s first day at daycare.

Let me tell you something they don’t prepare you for in parent school: the gut-wrenching anxiety of leaving your child with someone else for the first time.

While I’m here at the Tax Rep Summit, learning the latest strategies to protect my clients from the IRS, my wife Kanoe was facing her own challenge – trusting a stranger with our most precious possession.

The questions kept swirling:

• Will he be okay?
• Is the babysitter really as experienced as she claims?
• Will he be the same happy little boy when pickup time comes?

Sound familiar? These might be the same questions running through your mind about your tax problems:

• Will my tax issue ever be resolved?
• Can I trust someone else with my financial future?
• What if things get worse?

Here’s what we did with the daycare situation: We did our homework. Met with the babysitter. Checked her credentials. Asked the tough questions. And then… we had to trust.

And you know what? Kainalu was perfectly fine. Better than fine, actually. When Kanoe picked him up, he was all smiles.

This experience reminded me of something I see every day in my practice. When people come to me with tax problems, they’re often overwhelmed with worry. Some haven’t slept well in months. Others have been avoiding their mail, dreading another IRS letter.

But here’s the truth: Just like that experienced babysitter took expert care of our son, a qualified tax professional can take expert care of your tax problems.

As an Enrolled Agent, I’ve been in the trenches, fighting the IRS and winning. Right now, I’m at one of the nation’s top tax representation conferences, sharpening my skills and learning new strategies to keep the IRS out of my clients’ pockets.

The lesson? When you hire a professional to provide a service, you should expect results without worry.

You wouldn’t lose sleep wondering if a qualified doctor can treat an illness. You shouldn’t lose sleep wondering if a qualified tax professional can solve your tax problems.

Ready to stop worrying and start solving?

Option 1: Download my free guide at CrushIRSAnxiety.com. It’s packed with strategies I use to help people just like you tackle their tax problems.

Option 2: Schedule a free initial consultation. Let’s discuss your situation and create a plan to resolve it – no pressure, no obligation.

Remember: While I’m learning new ways to fight the IRS here in Orlando, my team is back home, ready to help you take the first step toward tax peace of mind.

Because at the end of the day, whether it’s choosing a daycare or a tax professional, you deserve to work with someone who lets you rest easy, knowing you’re in good hands.

Until Next Time,

Andrew “Well Rested” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com

Yesterday, I was on the phone with Daniel (name changed for privacy), a retiree who was dreading his upcoming Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Like many retirees, he’d worked hard, saved diligently, and built up a healthy retirement nest egg in his Traditional IRA.

But there was a problem.

Uncle Sam was coming for his share. And it wasn’t going to be pretty.

See, most folks don’t realize they’re sitting on a tax time bomb. Those Traditional IRAs? They’re basically a loan from the government. And when you hit 73, they want their money back – whether you like it or not.

Daniel knew something wasn’t right. He could feel it in his gut that there had to be a better way than watching thousands of his hard-earned dollars vanish into the IRS’s coffers.

And boy, was he right.

After reviewing his situation during our year-end tax planning consultation, I spotted an opportunity that most tax preparers miss. It’s a strategy I call “Roth Bracketing” – and it saved Daniel approximately $8,000 in taxes.

The only regret? He wished he’d come to see me sooner.

Here’s the thing about tax planning: it’s like planting a tree. The best time to do it was yesterday. The next best time? Today.

And with 2024 quickly approaching, you’re at a crossroads:

Option 1: Do nothing and hope for the best (like most folks do)
Option 2: Take control of your tax future NOW

Look, I’ve seen too many hard-working Americans pay thousands more than necessary in taxes. As an Enrolled Agent, it pains me to watch people overpay when there are perfectly legal strategies available to keep more of their money where it belongs – in their pockets.

Whether you’re:

• Approaching retirement
• Already taking RMDs
• Running a small business
• Or just tired of paying more than your fair share…
• There’s still time to save on your 2024 tax bill, but the window is closing fast.

Here’s what to do next:

Visit AndrewSamaniego.com and schedule your complimentary tax-saving consultation. During our meeting, we’ll:

• Review your current tax situation
• Identify potential saving opportunities
• Create a custom strategy to reduce your tax burden
• Implement actions before the year-end deadline
• But remember Daniel’s story – waiting too long can cost you thousands.

Don’t let another year go by paying more taxes than necessary. Visit AndrewSamaniego.com now to schedule your free consultation.

Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.

Until next time,

Andrew “Senior Saver” Samaniego, EA, CTRC

Andrew Samaniego Tax Planning & Resolution

(619) 268-1084  |  AndrewSamaniego.com

P.S. – Tax planning isn’t about finding loopholes or cutting corners. It’s about using the tax code as it was intended to keep more of what you’ve earned. As an Enrolled Agent, I work within the law to help you pay the least amount legally possible. But these strategies need time to implement – don’t wait until it’s too late.