But it shouldn't have to be that way Don! The Founders would be going ballistic if they saw the size of US Code let alone just the tax code!
End it don't mend it!
I'm sitting here.....My CPA telling me I should buy or replace a few pieces of equipment before the end of the year ( actually pay).....so I can REDUCE my tax burden. Only in America??? Honestly, I hate this time of year.
In my moonlighting job I am giving the same advice.
Sucks, doesn't it? Instead of being able to use your income as you see fit, you have to first think of stuff you can do to keep it out of the hands of the bloodsucking looters!
ETA - I hope you get good good depreciation advice (S.179 is nice on the Fed side, sucks royally on MN state side) and I think everyone knows how bad payroll bonus payments are, I've been recommending extra regular paychecks instead to avoid tax overreach!