The Real Tax Guy.

Videos Live Sessions Log in Sign up

The Real Tax Guy.

Real tax strategies, plain English, no suits. Free videos and live sessions from TJ Thorlackson.

Explore

Videos
Live Sessions
Podcasts
My Account
Book time with TJ →

Get the good stuff first

New videos, live sessions, and tax tips. No spam, no suits.

© 2026 The Real Tax Guy · Operated by THORLACKSSON, INC

Built by HummingAgent

Video library

All Shorts Podcasts Education Real Stories

TopicsCrypto Deductions Family Irs Llc & S Corp Payroll Personal Taxes Real Estate Retirement Side Hustle Small Business Tax Strategy

No, taxes are not voluntary in the US

shorts

No, taxes are not voluntary in the US

Taxes are mandatory, and skipping years just racks up penalties and interest with nothing gained.

2 views👍 0

Why W-2 employees struggle to build wealth vs self-employed

shorts

Why W-2 employees struggle to build wealth vs self-employed

Compares the wealth-building challenges faced by W-2 employees versus self-employed individuals.

2 views👍 0

Mileage vs actual vehicle deduction explained

shorts

Mileage vs actual vehicle deduction explained

You must choose mileage or actual costs, and mileage already includes depreciation so you can't claim both.

2 views👍 0

There's no minimum income to file a business tax return

shorts

There's no minimum income to file a business tax return

You must file a business return even if you made just one dollar; the IRS can audit your bank statements.

2 views👍 0

Why not filing your taxes usually means you lose money

shorts

Why not filing your taxes usually means you lose money

The IRS already has your W-2s and 1099s, and if they file for you they won't include your deductions.

2 views👍 0

How to get the most deductions legally

shorts

How to get the most deductions legally

Tell the truth and write off what you actually use—phone, internet, meals, and mileage that match your real business activity.

2 views👍 0

When the IRS says your business is actually a hobby

shorts

When the IRS says your business is actually a hobby

If your business loses money for years, the IRS may reclassify it as a hobby and disallow your losses.

2 views👍 0

Why hiding income in cash doesn't work with the IRS

shorts

Why hiding income in cash doesn't work with the IRS

The IRS can trace unexplained cash spending and will audit multiple years if they catch you lying.

3 views👍 0

What actually happens if you don't file your taxes

shorts

What actually happens if you don't file your taxes

If the IRS isn't contacting you about unfiled returns, you probably have a refund coming that you're missing out on.

2 views👍 0

What happens if you don't report gambling winnings

shorts

What happens if you don't report gambling winnings

The IRS already has your W2G, so unreported winnings trigger a letter and a bill, not jail.

2 views👍 0

Why running a cash-only business is risky

shorts

Why running a cash-only business is risky

Using cash to hide income is tax fraud, and auditors will notice when no bills are paid through a bank.

2 views👍 0

What actually triggers an IRS audit

shorts

What actually triggers an IRS audit

The IRS uses computers to flag returns with numbers that don't make sense, like losses bigger than your income.

2 views👍 0

How to think about business write-offs when you have a W2 job

shorts

How to think about business write-offs when you have a W2 job

If you have W2 income plus a side business, maximize legitimate business deductions to lower your overall taxable income.

3 views👍 0

Why the IRS doesn't just file your taxes for you

shorts

Why the IRS doesn't just file your taxes for you

The IRS only sees your income, not your deductions, dependents, or filing status, so you'd pay way more tax.

2 views👍 0

Why business owners build wealth faster than W2 employees

shorts

Why business owners build wealth faster than W2 employees

Businesses deduct expenses before taxes while W2 workers pay taxes on their full income first.

3 views👍 0

Why you don't need to fear an IRS audit

shorts

Why you don't need to fear an IRS audit

If you follow the rules and avoid shady deductions, you have nothing to worry about during an audit.

3 views👍 0

GoFundMe money isn't taxable, but donors can't deduct it

shorts

GoFundMe money isn't taxable, but donors can't deduct it

GoFundMe payments are gifts, so recipients don't owe tax, but donors can't deduct since it's not a nonprofit.

2 views👍 0

Hand models can deduct manicures as a business expense

shorts

Hand models can deduct manicures as a business expense

A hand model's manicures are a legitimate business expense since maintaining her hands is required for her career.

2 views👍 0

What you can write off for a business cruise conference

shorts

What you can write off for a business cruise conference

Quick overview of tax deductions available when attending a business conference on a cruise ship.

2 views👍 0

How to turn gift cards into business deductions

shorts

How to turn gift cards into business deductions

Gift cards can become deductible business expenses if you use them for legitimate business meals and follow the rules for your entity type.

3 views👍 0

Selling your personal car doesn't trigger capital gains tax

shorts

Selling your personal car doesn't trigger capital gains tax

Personal property like vehicles isn't subject to capital gains tax, and you can flip up to five cars per year in Minnesota tax-free.

2 views👍 0

How a 1031 exchange postpones capital gains tax

shorts

How a 1031 exchange postpones capital gains tax

A 1031 exchange lets you move capital gains to a new property, but you'll pay the tax when you eventually sell.

3 views👍 0

How deductions put real money in your pocket

shorts

How deductions put real money in your pocket

Business deductions like mileage reimbursement and meals let you move money from your company to yourself tax-free.

3 views👍 0

How important is tracking mileage for your business

shorts

How important is tracking mileage for your business

Consistent mileage tracking matters when you regularly drive for business supplies and errands.

2 views👍 0

← Previous1…2223242526…29Next →

688 videos in the library