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Divorce the IRS

Welcome to Divorce the IRS, the Retirement Income Planning Podcast—built for people who want to pay the least amount of taxes possible and create retirement income that actually lasts. Inspired by Jimmy Miller’s bestselling book Divorce, the IRS, this show takes you behind the scenes of the tax rules, retirement strategies, and planning decisions that can quietly determine how much of your money you keep.

The truth is, taxes aren’t just “something you deal with later.” The U.S. tax code is massive, confusing by design, and full of traps that can hit hardest right when you need your money most. From 401(k)s and IRAs to Social Security and Medicare, many common “smart moves” can turn into expensive surprises—like required minimum distributions, Medicare surcharges, the widow’s penalty, and other retirement tax time bombs most people don’t see coming until it’s too late.

With 20+ years of experience as a global wealth manager, Jimmy breaks these topics down in a clear, practical way—so you can plan proactively, avoid unnecessary taxes, and build a retirement where your delayed gratification finally pays off. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and remember: this podcast is for general education only and isn’t legal, tax, or investment advice—always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

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Divorce the IRS

The Hidden Risk of Year-by-Year Tax Advice

February 09, 2026 • James Miller • Episode 8

0:00 | 10:11

Getting a big tax refund feels good. But what if that short-term win is quietly costing you far more over your lifetime?

In this episode of The Divorce the IRS Podcast, we explore why common tax advice — even from well-meaning professionals — may not be aligned with your long-term financial best interest.

Most tax preparers are trained to focus on one goal each year: helping you get the largest legal refund or the lowest current tax bill. What often gets overlooked is how those decisions impact your lifetime tax burden. Tax preparation is not the same as tax planning — and the difference can mean tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars over time.

We break down how short-term tax deductions can function more like a loan from the IRS than true savings. By deferring taxes today, many people are creating future tax liabilities on both their original contributions and decades of growth. The result can be what we call a “tax time bomb” — a growing obligation that shows up later in life when flexibility matters most.

You’ll learn:

The difference between tax preparation and long-term tax planning
Why maximizing deductions each year may not minimize lifetime taxes
How tax-deferred accounts can create compounding future tax obligations
The role instant gratification plays in financial decision-making
When tax-deferred strategies do make sense
Warning signs that taxes aren't being factored into your financial plan

We also discuss how some financial products and strategies can unintentionally increase long-term tax exposure when used without a comprehensive plan.

The goal isn’t to criticize tax professionals — they serve an important role. But your tax return is a snapshot of one year, while your financial life spans decades. The strategy that feels good today may not be the one that protects you tomorrow.