Proactive Tax Strategies for Entrepreneurs: Insights from Danielle Michel, CEO of Oro Tax Advisors

In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Danielle Michel, serial entrepreneur, CPA, and CEO/co-founder of Oro Tax Advisors, to unpack the tax strategies most business owners overlook. Danielle shares her journey from running multiple businesses to building a tax advisory firm designed to give small and mid-sized entrepreneurs access to elite, strategic tax planning. This blog distills her most valuable advice—from entity structure to real estate strategies—offering a clear roadmap for business owners who want to save money, protect their wealth, and grow intentionally.

Strategic and Underutilized Tax Planning for Business Owners

Danielle opens by emphasizing that true tax savings come from proactive, year-round planning—not the annual scramble most entrepreneurs experience. She explains how ongoing reviews, detailed records, and tax-informed business decisions can prevent costly surprises while unlocking powerful deduction and credit opportunities. The conversation then shifts to often-underused strategies like real estate tax benefits and self-directed retirement accounts, which allow entrepreneurs to accelerate depreciation, diversify taxes, and invest in alternative assets with tax-advantaged structures.

Danielle underscores how critical entity structure is, explaining that the right setup can dramatically reduce tax liability as a business grows. Many entrepreneurs start with an LLC but eventually benefit from moving to an S Corporation to optimize self-employment tax and distributions. She also dives into advanced deduction strategies—like accountable plans and strategic reimbursements—that go well beyond standard write-offs, while stressing that tax moves must still align with overall financial goals.

Finally, Danielle explains how Oro Tax Advisors stands out with its integrated team of tax strategists, attorneys, compliance experts, and AI-driven systems that make advanced planning accessible to everyday entrepreneurs. She highlights the power of community and ongoing education through Oro’s free membership, live weekly expert calls, and mobile app—all designed to help business owners stay ahead of changes and continually improve their tax literacy.

About Danielle Michel

Danielle Michel is a CPA, serial entrepreneur, and CEO/co-founder of Oro Tax Advisors. With years of experience running multiple businesses, she helps entrepreneurs optimize taxes, protect wealth, and build strategic financial frameworks. Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemichelcpa/.

About DanielleMichelVentures.com

DanielleMichelVentures.com is the online home for Danielle’s tax advisory, education programs, and community resources. Through Oro Tax Advisors and her broader platform, Danielle provides entrepreneurs with proactive tax strategies, integrated advisory support, and access to a free community with weekly expert training.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Danielle Michel LinkedIn
• Danielle Michel Ventures

Key Episode Highlights

• Most tax savings come from proactive, year-round planning—not annual filing
• Real estate strategies (bonus depreciation, cost segregation, RE professional status) are often underused
• Self-directed IRAs/401(k)s unlock alternative investment opportunities with tax advantages
• Choosing the right entity (LLC vs. S Corp) is essential for tax efficiency
• Advanced deductions, like accountable plans, outperform basic write-offs
• Integrated advisory teams are more effective than fragmented tax/legal support
• Ongoing tax education helps entrepreneurs stay ahead of changes and opportunities

Conclusion

Danielle Michel’s insights reveal just how much opportunity most entrepreneurs leave on the table by treating taxes as an annual obligation instead of a strategic advantage. From choosing the right entity to leveraging advanced real estate and retirement strategies, proactive tax planning can dramatically impact wealth-building and long-term business growth. With the right guidance and consistent learning, business owners can access the same elite tax advantages as major corporations and high-net-worth individuals.

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