Ep 338 - The 4th Monday Series - Playing Chess With Your Taxes

Welcome to the Social-Engineer Podcast: The 4th Monday Series with Chris Hadnagy and Mike Holfeld. Chris and Mike will be covering cutting edge global news to help people remain safe, secure and knowledgeable in a world where it is hard to know what is real and what is fake news.  

In this episode, Chris and Mike are joined by Jeff Lareau, CPA and partner at Lareau & Lareau CPAs, a third-generation, family-owned firm in Central Florida. Jeff helps individuals and business owners simplify complex tax laws while focusing on long-term planning and confidence—not just filing returns. Jeff explains major tax changes heading into 2026, including updates to tips and overtime deductions, senior tax benefits, bonus depreciation, business planning strategies, healthcare marketplace pitfalls, and how to prepare now to avoid surprises later. 

[Jan 26, 2026] 

 

Chapters: 
00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview 
01:15 – Meet Jeff Lareau, CPA 
02:30 – A Three-Generation Accounting Story 
08:05 – Major 2026 Tax Changes Explained 
09:50 – No Tax on Tips & Overtime 
12:30 – Business Owner Strategies & Bonus Depreciation 
14:45 – Planning Ahead & Filing Early 
17:15 – Roth Accounts & Long-Term Tax Planning 
21:00 – Income Limits & Key Deductions 
24:45 – Healthcare Marketplace Pitfalls 
27:30 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways 

• Jeff Lareau’s Website: https://www.lareaucpas.com/  

Learn more: 
www.social-engineer.com 
www.social-engineer.org  
www.innocentlivesfoundation.org 

Follow Chris Hadnagy: 
Twitter: @humanhacker 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherhadnagy