VUE

Wealth, Simplified. Scan to Learn More. smallwoodwealth.com | Phone: 732-542-1565 199 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701 John L. Smallwood, CFP® Senior Wealth Advisor BY JOHN L. SMALLWOOD Maximizing Wealth in the Wake of the Big Beautiful Bill e recent passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill" marks what many—myself included—consider a golden era for American business owners. Imagine a tax law so transformative it acts as a blank canvas for your financial future; that's exactly what this legislation delivers. For years, I've watched entrepreneurs overlook substantial incentives from previous reforms, especially those within the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Many le money on the table, either by missing powerful deductions or neglecting creative wealth strategies. Now, Washington has handed us an even bigger and more generous toolkit that both preserves and expands these advantages. One of the most compelling features of the new law is the dramatically increased flexibility for those reinvesting in their business. With Section 179 expensing now allowing you to write off up to $2.5 million in a single year, and permanent 100% bonus depreciation on top, your business gains the power to fully expense major investments right away. In practice, this means that purchases like equipment, vehicles, or technology upgrades can translate into immediate tax savings, keeping cash flowing for further growth. But the opportunities don't end there. If you operate as an S-corp, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship, the ever- popular deduction for qualified business income is not only locked in for good—it's increased to 23%. For those who previously missed out, this is a second chance at meaningful tax reduction. Additionally, the cap on state and local tax deductions has quadrupled from $10,000 to $40,000 through 2029, offering much-needed relief, especially for business owners in high-tax states. ese changes empower you to retain and reinvest more of what you earn. Looking ahead to your exit or legacy, the new rules for Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) are particularly impactful. e tax-free sale of eligible stock is now set at $15 million per taxpayer, up from $10 million, and provisions now allow "stacking" across multiple owners or entities. If you plan strategically, the potential for sheltering gains has never been better. Rental property owners should also take note: changes in depreciation and write-off rules provide more generous and quicker deductions, strengthening the profitability of real estate investments. And for those fueling innovation, research and development expenses for US-based work can now be expensed fully and retroactively—no more dragging it out over a daunting 15-year period. Even the paperwork load is lighter, as higher reporting thresholds for third-party platforms such as PayPal or Venmo will free many entrepreneurs from unnecessary IRS minutiae. Given all these changes, this is the moment to look back and ask, did I make the most of my tax benefits under the previous reform? If not, now's your time to reimagine your approach. Consult with an expert, review your strategies, and make sure you leave nothing on the table. With the 2025 tax year fast approaching, planning for major purchases, reconsidering business structures, and protecting your legacy all deserve a fresh look. In closing, the "Big Beautiful Bill" is much more than just another piece of legislation. For those willing to think ahead and act boldly, it's a historic opportunity to maximize your wealth, accelerate your growth, and secure your family's future for generations to come. Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill or training. Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC and Regulus Financial Group, LLC are independent entities. Please note Smallwood Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice and this is not intended as such. Individuals should always consult with a qualified tax or legal professional prior to making any decisions. VUE ON | FINANCE

• Cover