How much money can you give someone without triggering gift taxes or IRS issues? If you’re planning to help family or friends in 2026, understanding the IRS gift tax rules is essential before you move any money.

In this video, CPA and Certified Private Wealth Advisor Stephen Lee explains exactly how the gift tax works, who actually pays the tax, and how much you can give without filing paperwork or owing a dime to the IRS. One of the biggest misconceptions is that the person receiving a gift pays income tax. That is not true. Gifts are not taxable income to the recipient under IRS rules.

If you’re thinking about gifting money, helping family, or planning wealth transfers in 2026, this video will give you clarity and confidence so you can be generous without unnecessary tax stress.

00:00 IRS Gift Tax Explained | How Gifting Money Is Taxed

00:49 2026 Annual Gift Tax Exclusion Limits ($19,000 Rule)

01:22 Lifetime Gift Tax Exemption & When to File IRS Form 709

01:49 Tuition & Medical Payments That Don’t Count as Gifts

02:15 How to Gift Money Safely | Cash, Checks, Banks & IRS Rules

02:54 Gift Tax Planning for 2026 | How to Give Money Tax Free

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On this channel, Stephen Lee shares proven strategies to help high earners, business owners, and professionals keep more of what they make, minimize taxes, and build lasting wealth.

Whether you’re optimizing your S-Corp, investing smarter, or managing 1099 income, this channel gives you the tools to make confident money moves — backed by real client experience.

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The information provided on this channel is for general information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to serve as legal, financial, or tax advice. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included on this channel without seeking appropriate legal, tax, or other professional advice specific to your individual circumstances. The use or reliance on any information contained on this channel is solely at your own risk.

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The IRS just handed retirees a massive tax bill for 2026 and most people have no idea it’s coming.

Many Americans assume taxes go down in retirement, but with the new 2026 tax brackets, the senior bonus deduction, Medicare IRMAA cliffs, and updated Social Security taxation rules, that assumption can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in stealth taxes.

In this video, CPA and Certified Private Wealth Advisor Stephen Lee breaks down exactly how the 2026 retirement tax rules work and why income timing, not market returns, is the biggest source of financial stress in retirement.

You’ll learn how the new senior bonus deduction works, including the additional $6,000 deduction for individuals age 65 and older and how married couples can stack deductions to shield up to $46,700 of income from taxes. We also cover the phase-out rules that quietly claw back these benefits once your income crosses certain thresholds.

This video also explains the updated Social Security washout math and why the new senior bonus deduction can help make Social Security benefits partially or even completely tax-free until income pushes you into dangerous tax and Medicare penalty zones.

We also cover the expanded SALT deduction for 2026, which raises the cap from $10,000 to $40,400 for eligible taxpayers, a major change for homeowners in high-tax states. Business owners will also learn why the pass-through entity tax workaround still matters and how it can bypass SALT limitations.

One of the biggest retirement landmines discussed is Medicare IRMAA. Because Medicare premiums use a two-year lookback, income spikes from years earlier can double your premiums overnight. You’ll learn when and how to file Form SSA-44 to reduce Medicare surcharges after retirement, loss of income, or the death of a spouse.

Finally, outlined in the video is a clear four-step retirement tax strategy for 2026, including income audits, Medicare planning, SALT optimization, and income-shifting strategies like Roth conversions, qualified charitable distributions, and donor-advised funds.

If you’re retired, approaching retirement, or planning for tax-efficient income in 2026, this video is essential. Proactive planning is no longer optional, it is the difference between keeping your savings and handing them back to the IRS.

If you have questions, drop them in the comments below, and here’s to a more tax-efficient 2026.

🔔 Subscribe for more tips and strategies tailored for business owners and high earning professionals.

On this channel, Stephen Lee shares proven strategies to help high earners, business owners, and professionals keep more of what they make, minimize taxes, and build lasting wealth.

Whether you’re optimizing your S-Corp, investing smarter, or managing 1099 income, this channel gives you the tools to make confident money moves backed by real client experience.

Subscribe for smart, actionable advice and take control of your financial future.

The information provided on this channel is for general information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to serve as legal, financial, or tax advice. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included on this channel without seeking appropriate legal, tax, or other professional advice specific to your individual circumstances. The use or reliance on any information contained on this channel is solely at your own risk.

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Are you making good money but still living paycheck to paycheck? You’re not alone. Over 70% of Americans earning $75,000 or more struggle financially not because they don’t earn enough but because they lack the right systems.

In this video, CPA and Certified Private Wealth Advisor Stephen Lee breaks down the 90-Day Money Blueprint—a proven, step-by-step system designed to help you take control of your finances, automate wealth building, and finally get ahead financially without extreme budgeting or risky investing.

This is not a get-rich-quick strategy. It’s a practical financial system used by private clients to build long-term wealth through smart money management, automated investing, and tax optimization.

00:00 How the 90-Day Wealth Acceleration System Works

01:28 The Wealth Formula Most People Ignore (Income vs Lifestyle)

05:46 The 3-Bucket Money System (Save, Invest, Optimize)

09:28 The Automation Blueprint for Building Wealth Automatically

12:07 Wealth Accelerators That Grow Your Money Faster

14:03 The 90-Day Financial Plan You Can Start Today

15:36 Money Mistakes and Habits That Keep People Broke

16:24 How to Start Building Wealth Today (Final Thoughts)

Apply for my 5-session Business Owner Bootcamp to create your personalized strategic tax plan, including quarterly tax planning, deductions, and reasonable compensation → https://stephenleecpa.com/business-ow...

What you’ll learn in this video:Why income alone doesn’t create wealthThe simple wealth formula most people ignoreHow to stop lifestyle inflation and widen your “freedom gap”The 3-bucket money system (foundation, accelerator, optimizer)How to build an emergency fund the right wayA simple investing strategy using low-cost index fundsHow automation beats discipline every timeTax strategies that help you keep more of your moneyThe exact 90-day plan to implement everything step by stepCommon wealth killers that silently keep people broke

Who this video is for:Professionals and high earners who feel financially stuckAnyone living paycheck to paycheck despite a decent incomeBeginners who want a clear investing and saving roadmapPeople overwhelmed by budgeting, investing, and taxesAnyone looking for a simple, proven wealth-building system

Why this works:

This 90-day financial system focuses on automation, consistency, and clarity. Instead of relying on motivation or willpower, you’ll learn how to set up systems that work in the background so your money grows while you live your life.If you’ve ever thought:“I make too much money to feel this broke”“I know I should be investing, but I don’t know where to start”“I want financial freedom but don’t want extreme budgeting”

This video will give you the structure and confidence to move forward.

Watch until the end to get the full 90-day implementation plan you can start using immediately.

If you found this helpful, like the video, subscribe for more personal finance, investing, and tax strategy content, and share it with someone who needs it.

The information provided on this channel is for general information and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to serve as legal, financial, or tax advice. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included on this channel without seeking appropriate legal, tax, or other professional advice specific to your individual circumstances. The use or reliance on any information contained on this channel is solely at your own risk.