In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Danielle Michel, serial entrepreneur, CPA, and CEO/co-founder of Oro Tax Advisors, to unpack the tax strategies most business owners overlook. Danielle shares her journey from running multiple businesses to building a tax advisory firm designed to give small and mid-sized entrepreneurs access to elite, strategic tax planning. This blog distills her most valuable advice—from entity structure to real estate strategies—offering a clear roadmap for business owners who want to save money, protect their wealth, and grow intentionally.
Danielle opens by emphasizing that true tax savings come from proactive, year-round planning—not the annual scramble most entrepreneurs experience. She explains how ongoing reviews, detailed records, and tax-informed business decisions can prevent costly surprises while unlocking powerful deduction and credit opportunities. The conversation then shifts to often-underused strategies like real estate tax benefits and self-directed retirement accounts, which allow entrepreneurs to accelerate depreciation, diversify taxes, and invest in alternative assets with tax-advantaged structures.
Danielle underscores how critical entity structure is, explaining that the right setup can dramatically reduce tax liability as a business grows. Many entrepreneurs start with an LLC but eventually benefit from moving to an S Corporation to optimize self-employment tax and distributions. She also dives into advanced deduction strategies—like accountable plans and strategic reimbursements—that go well beyond standard write-offs, while stressing that tax moves must still align with overall financial goals.
Finally, Danielle explains how Oro Tax Advisors stands out with its integrated team of tax strategists, attorneys, compliance experts, and AI-driven systems that make advanced planning accessible to everyday entrepreneurs. She highlights the power of community and ongoing education through Oro’s free membership, live weekly expert calls, and mobile app—all designed to help business owners stay ahead of changes and continually improve their tax literacy.
Danielle Michel is a CPA, serial entrepreneur, and CEO/co-founder of Oro Tax Advisors. With years of experience running multiple businesses, she helps entrepreneurs optimize taxes, protect wealth, and build strategic financial frameworks. Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemichelcpa/.
DanielleMichelVentures.com is the online home for Danielle’s tax advisory, education programs, and community resources. Through Oro Tax Advisors and her broader platform, Danielle provides entrepreneurs with proactive tax strategies, integrated advisory support, and access to a free community with weekly expert training.
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