Tax-Efficient Ways to Reward Your Team Without Giving Raises

Weekly Tax Tips

Trivia Question❓

In which country did companies first popularize “employee wellness programs,” including gyms and preventive health initiatives, in the mid-20th century?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Tax-Efficient Ways to Reward Your Team Without Giving Raises

Every business owner wants to keep their best employees happy and motivated. But with rising wages, inflation pressure, and tax liabilities stacking up, giving across-the-board raises isn’t always feasible—or financially smart. The good news? You can still reward and retain top talent with tax-efficient alternatives that benefit both your team and your business.

Let’s start with fringe benefits. Many fringe benefits are tax-deductible for the business and tax-free for employees. Think health insurance, dental and vision plans, and group term life insurance. These are valuable perks your employees appreciate—without increasing their taxable income or triggering payroll tax costs for you.

Another powerful tool is the Section 127 educational assistance program. You can offer up to $5,250 per year in tax-free educational benefits to employees. This can include tuition, certifications, and even certain student loan repayments. You get the deduction, and they get a meaningful financial boost—tax-free.

Don’t overlook retirement contributions, either. A 401(k) match or SEP IRA contribution not only helps your employees build wealth for the future, but it’s also deductible to your business. Better yet, these benefits promote long-term loyalty and stability on your team.

You can also use performance-based bonuses strategically. By issuing bonuses before year-end, you can reduce your taxable income while tying compensation to specific milestones or results. To keep it tax-efficient, consider offering non-cash perks such as extra paid time off, travel vouchers, or gift cards within de minimis limits. These are often more memorable and appreciated than a small bump in salary—and cost less in taxes overall.

Another creative and tax-savvy idea is implementing an Accountable Plan. This allows employees to be reimbursed for business expenses (like mileage, home office supplies, or client meals) without those reimbursements being counted as taxable income. You get the deduction, they get reimbursed tax-free, and it improves morale—all without bloating your payroll.

The bottom line? Raises aren't the only way to show appreciation—and they’re not always the most efficient. By using tax-advantaged strategies to reward your team, you can boost retention, protect profitability, and ensure your compensation budget works harder for everyone involved.

Talk to your tax advisor about which of these strategies you can implement this year. With a little planning, you can turn compensation into a smart tax-saving tool that strengthens your business and your team.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Japan.

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