How Can Pilots Pay Less in Taxes? Part 1: Start With the Right Number

After a short summer break, Pilot’s Portfolio is back with a refreshed format and a new Season (4)! This next run of episodes is built around real questions Timothy P. Pope, CFP® receives from professional pilots and their families in planning conversations. This is a two-part deep-dive on one of the biggest questions professional pilots bring to the planning table: “How can we pay less in taxes?” Whether the number is six figures or simply higher than expected, the starting point is understanding what that number actually represents. In Part 1, Tim starts with the first step: understanding what the tax number actually means. Is it total tax liability, withholding, a large April payment, or income that changed unexpectedly? Tim discusses how W-2 income, spouse income, upgrades, premium flying, capital gains, property sales, inherited IRAs, and deductions can shape the tax picture, while explaining why a write-off should support a sound financial decision rather than drive one. Follow Pilot’s Portfolio for Part 2, where the conversation moves into tax-efficient investing, tax-loss harvesting, and planning beyond one tax year. If you’re enjoying Pilot’s Portfolio and finding these conversations helpful, we’d really appreciate a 5-star review on your podcast platform of choice. It helps more professional pilots and their families discover the show: \- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilots-portfolio/id1718915375 \- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5p2Tkf16Q9lV693lHV4Zo9 Have a question you’d like Tim to address, or want to explore how 360 Aviation Advisors helps professional pilots plan around taxes, retirement, investments, and life transitions? Schedule An Appointment Our Practice’s Website **Contact Us:** [**info@pilotsportfolio.com**](mailto:info@pilotsportfolio.com) This episode is sponsored by: Beacon Relocation Beacon Relocation is a real estate firm helping pilots and air traffic controllers save money on their real estate transactions. By tapping into their network of over 1500 real estate agents across the country, pilots can save 20% of the real estate agent’s commission towards your closing cost on the sale or purchase of your home. Visit https://www.beaconrelocation.com/ to learn more.  **Timothy P. Pope is a Certified Financial Planner™and principal owner of 360 Aviation Advisors, LLC (“360 Aviation Advisors”), a registered investment advisory firm. Investment advisory services are provided through 360 Aviation Advisors, in its separate and individual capacity as a registered investment adviser. Podcast episodes are provided through Pilot’s Portfolio, in its separate and individual capacity.** **We try to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of publishing; however, we give no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or applicability of any of the contents. We assume no responsibility for information contained on this website and disclaim all liability in respect of such information, including but not limited to any liability for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or misleading or defamatory statements.** **Links to external websites are provided solely for your convenience. We accept no liability for any linked sites or their content and remind you that we have no control over their content. When visiting external web sites, users should review those websites’ privacy policies and other terms of use to learn more about, what, why and how they collect and use any personally identifiable information.** **Usage of this content constitutes an explicit understanding and acceptance of the terms of this disclaimer.**