The Owner's Ledger

Tax Tips Every Real Estate Agent Should Know: From Home Sales to 1031 Exchanges

🧾  Episode Summary In this episode, Cameron breaks down the essential tax knowledge every real estate agent should understand — not to become an accountant, but to become a better advisor to clients. From the home-sale exclusion and short-sale forgiveness to 1031 exchanges and depreciation rules, Cameron explains what every agent should know before closing deals, buying rentals, or advising clients with complex tax questions. He also dives into new 2025 updates, including the raised SALT deduction limits, clean-energy credits, and how smart retirement and HSA contributions can save both agents and clients money. Whether you’re a brand-new agent or a seasoned broker working with investors, this episode gives you the foundation to talk taxes with confidence and connect your clients with the right professionals. ⸻ 🔑  Key Takeaways • Why real-estate agents should understand taxes — even if they’re not tax pros • How the home-sale exclusion really works ($250K / $500K rule) • What to do when clients face short sales or loan forgiveness in 2025 • The basics of mortgage-interest deductions and who qualifies • Understanding depreciation and what makes someone a real estate professional • How 1031 exchanges defer capital gains and build long-term wealth • The new SALT deduction increase for 2025 — from $10K to $40K • Why agents should track mileage, closing docs, and renovation records year-round • Simple ways to educate clients on retirement and HSA contributions • How to become the connector clients trust for all things real estate + tax 💬  Connect with Cameron • 📧 Email: cameron@superdadtax.com [https://superdadtax.com] • 🌐 Visit: SuperDadTax.com [https://superdadtax.com] • 📰 Join the Commission Keeper Newsletter for more tax tips & real-estate insights This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecommissionkeeper.com [https://www.thecommissionkeeper.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Real Estate Agent’s Ultimate Guide to Taxes in 2025- Audio Version

🎙️ The Commission Keeper Podcast Episode Title: The Real Estate Agent’s Ultimate Guide to Taxes in 2025 Host: Cameron Hodge, Real Estate Agent & Lead Tax Preparer at Super Dad Tax ⸻ 🧾 Episode Summary In this episode, Cameron breaks down how real estate agents are taxed, why quarterly payments matter, and how to plan smarter as the year ends. From understanding your first 1099 to knowing when it’s time to elect S-Corp status, this is your roadmap to staying compliant, saving money, and keeping more of your commissions where they belong — in your pocket. Cameron also shares his personal experience balancing real estate and tax prep, with stories from early mistakes, lessons learned, and actionable advice for agents and brokers at every stage. ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • How the IRS classifies real estate agents and brokers as self-employed • When quarterly estimated tax payments are required (and how to avoid penalties) • The truth about LLCs vs. S-Corps and when the switch really saves you money • Partnership and team tax structures — what to know before you start one • Smart year-end moves: cleaning up your books, prepaying strategic expenses, and maxing out retirement contributions • Why bookkeeping is your first CFO move — and when to hire a pro • Understanding the differences between Bookkeepers, EAs, CPAs, and Financial Advisors ⸻ 🧮 Resources Mentioned • IRS Direct Pay Portal → irs.gov/payments [http://irs.gov/payments] • Estimated Tax Form 1040-ES → irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es [http://irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-es] • Schedule a Call → superdadtax.com [http://superdadtax.com] • Subscribe to the Newsletter → The Commission Keeper on Substack [https://www.thecommissionkeeper.com/] ⸻ 💡 Quote of the Episode “Taxes aren’t a fear if you understand how to run your business like a CFO. The IRS just wants you to pay your fair share — no more, no less.” — Cameron Hodge. ⸻ 📣 Call to Action If you’re ready to understand your numbers, plan ahead for 2025, or finally clean up your books, schedule a consultation with Super Dad Tax today. 👉 Book a free discovery call [https://calendly.com/cameronhodge/tax-prep] ⸻ ⚖️ Disclaimer This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax laws change and vary by state. Always consult a qualified tax professional before acting on information in this episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecommissionkeeper.com [https://www.thecommissionkeeper.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Agent’s CFO Playbook: Turn Your Books Into a Business Advantage - Audio Only

Episode Summary In this week’s episode of The Commission Keeper Podcast, Cameron Hodge — Marine Corps veteran, licensed REALTOR® in California and Florida, and owner of Super Dad Tax LLC — dives into what it really means to act as the Chief Financial Officer of your own real estate business. Most agents focus on closing deals but overlook the importance of running their business like a numbers-driven operation. Cameron shares stories from his early days in San Diego real estate, lessons learned from mentors, and step-by-step advice on setting up QuickBooks, separating accounts, and using reporting to make smarter decisions. ⸻ Key Takeaways • Why every agent needs to think like a CFO, even if you’re a solo operator. • The importance of separating business and personal finances with dedicated bank accounts. • How to use QuickBooks Online to track income, expenses, and generate meaningful reports. • What a Chart of Accounts is and how to set it up for real estate agents. • Leveraging classes (tags) in QuickBooks to track ROI by lead source. • The CFO rhythm: weekly transaction categorization, monthly P&Ls, quarterly ROI reviews, and year-end reconciliation. • Common pitfalls agents make with money management — and how to avoid overspending on shiny lead gen strategies. ⸻ Resources & Links • 📩 Subscribe to the weekly newsletter: thecommissionkeeper.com [http://thecommissionkeeper.com] • 🧾 Learn more about bookkeeping & tax support: superdadtax.com [http://superdadtax.com] • 💬 Questions or topic requests? Email Cameron at info@superdadtax.com [info@superdadtax.com] ⸻ Closing Thoughts Being a great agent isn’t just about closing homes — it’s about building a business with staying power. By running your numbers, tracking expenses, and thinking like a CFO, you’ll set yourself up for long-term growth and financial freedom. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecommissionkeeper.com [https://www.thecommissionkeeper.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Should You Be an S Corp in 2025? A Guide for Real Estate Agents

Taxes can eat up a huge portion of your commission check — but the right business structure can change that. In this episode, I break down: • Why self-employment tax hits agents so hard • How an S-Corporation actually saves money • The “reasonable salary” rule and the 40/60 guideline • General overview of the retirement strategies agents can unlock with a Solo 401(k) or Roth IRA • When making the switch really makes sense (and when it doesn’t) Whether you’re just starting out or already netting six figures, this episode will help you understand if an S Corp is worth it for your real estate business. ⸻ 📩 Stay Connected • Read the full newsletter here → Commission Keeper Newsletter [https://superdadtax.substack.com/] ⸻ 📅 Work With Us Want tailored advice for your real estate business? Schedule a free call with my tax & bookkeeping team at Super Dad Tax LLC: 👉 Book a Call Here [https://calendly.com/cameronhodge/tax-prep] ⸻ 👉 If you found this episode helpful, share it with another agent who’s tired of handing too much money to the IRS than they are legally required to provide. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecommissionkeeper.com [https://www.thecommissionkeeper.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Jack of All Trades, Master of Wealth: Audio Only

Episode Summary Big commission checks feel great… until tax season or a slow quarter shows up. That’s the rollercoaster most agents ride. In this episode, I share how to step into your CFO role, create a commission allocation plan, and start turning deals into lasting wealth. 👉 If you’re a real estate agent ready to stop riding the income rollercoaster, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why acting like your own CFO is the key to long-term success. A simple allocation system to break the feast-or-famine cycle. How Profit First can help agents separate expenses, taxes, pay, and profit. First steps to begin building wealth beyond the deal. Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: 📰 Read the full newsletter version: Super Dad Tax Newsletter [https://superdadtax.substack.com/] 📅 Book a free Agent Wealth & Tax Strategy Session: Schedule a Call [https://calendly.com/cameronhodge/tax-prep] 📖 Learn more about Profit First: Profit First – Mike Michalowicz [https://mikemichalowicz.com/profit-first/] Stay Connected Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly strategies: Super Dad Tax [https://superdadtax.substack.com/] Follow the show for new episodes of Commission Keeper Podcast. Disclaimer I’m not a CPA or financial advisor. The information here is for educational purposes only. I am legally allowed to prepare and assist with taxes, but this should not be taken as formal tax or financial advice for your specific situation. Please consult your own licensed professional when needed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thecommissionkeeper.com [https://www.thecommissionkeeper.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]