Free Tax Tool

QBI Owner Salary Sweet Spot Calculator

At higher incomes your Section 199A QBI deduction is limited by W-2 wages. This tool finds the S-Corp owner salary that maximizes your deduction without overpaying payroll tax. Want the full strategy? Read our guide to maximizing the QBI deduction as an S-Corp owner.

Your S-Corp income & wages
$

Your allocated share of S-Corp profit flowing to your personal return, after your salary is paid out. In a multi-owner business, use your K-1 amount, not total company profit.

$

What the S-Corp pays you in W-2 wages. Enter your current salary or a working assumption.

$

Your pro-rata share of W-2 wages paid to non-owner employees. In a multi-owner business, multiply total employee payroll by your ownership percentage (a 50% owner with $200k in employee wages enters $100k).

$

Spouse's W-2, rental income, interest, other business income, and so on. Affects where you fall in the phase-out range.

Enter your S-Corp profit and salary on the left to see your sweet spot.
✓ Unlocked — your results are saved. Keep adjusting any input; everything updates live and stays unlocked.

Did you know?

Your accountant doesn't need to be local. Fraim CPA is based in Virginia and works with clients in all 50 states, fully remote.

See how remote tax prep works →

Want a CPA to put this to work?

Tell us a bit about your situation and a Fraim CPA will review it with you. No obligation.

We'll follow up within one business day.

Thanks! A Fraim CPA will reach out.

We have your details and your QBI scenario.