Guides for W-2 employees
Each guide covers the rules, the 2026 numbers, a worked example, common mistakes, and when to bring in a professional.
How to max out your 401(k) in 2026, including the new Roth catch-up rule
The $24,500 limit, catch-ups at 50 and 60–63, the Roth catch-up rule for high earners, and 2027 limits so you can set next year's deferrals now.
7 min read →ConnecticutConnecticut taxes for W-2 employees: Paid Leave, state credits, and working in New York
How Connecticut taxes wages, what CT Paid Leave costs, CHET and other state breaks, and how Fairfield County residents who work in New York avoid double tax.
9 min read →HealthThe HSA as a stealth retirement account: 2026 rules and the investing playbook
2026 HSA limits, which plans qualify (including new bronze and catastrophic options), direct primary care, and how to use the shoebox reimbursement strategy.
7 min read →New lawNo tax on overtime, tips, and car-loan interest: what employees can actually deduct
How the 2025–2028 overtime, tips, and car-loan interest deductions work, the income phase-outs, the higher SALT cap, and the new charitable deduction for non-itemizers.
8 min read →BenefitsThe open enrollment tax checklist: FSAs, HSAs, and the new Trump account benefit
Use the higher $7,500 dependent care FSA, the $3,400 health FSA, HSA plans, and employer Trump account contributions to cut taxes through payroll.
6 min read →EquityRSUs, ESPPs, and backdoor Roths: tax strategy for equity-compensated employees
Why RSU withholding at 22% causes surprise tax bills, how to avoid double-taxing ESPP shares, and how backdoor and mega-backdoor Roth contributions work.
8 min read →Find out where your paycheck could be lowering your tax.
In a consultation, we look at your pay stub, benefit elections, and equity awards, estimate your federal, Connecticut, and any New York tax for the year, and tell you whether your withholding or deferrals should change.