Basic tax facts for a certain income level?

[Paul B.]

I know that the best approach is to get a CPA to look at your personal tax situation and help you make the best decisions, and I will do that, but a little education on my own is worthwhile and will reduce the amount of billable hours I need from the CPA. So here is my question....

I wish there were some sort of table or guide that told you all the relevant things one should be aware of for their income level. For example, I already know that if I make around $100,000 as a single filer:

-The ability to deduct rental losses (for a non-RE professional) phases out as MAGI exceeds $100,000

-I enter the the 28% tax bracket as taxable income exceeds $91,900 (after standard deduction and personal exemption)

-The ability to contribute to a Roth IRA phases out as MAGI exceeds $118,000

I have no concern about the capital gains tax rate increasing to 20%, or the Obamacare tax, because my income is nowhere near the level where it comes into play. 

So does anyone know a good way to look up other things I should know about for my income level (without reading the entire tax code start to finish)? The reason I want to be wary of these things is that between contributions to a 401(k) and some securities that I would like to start selling piecemeal, I have the ability to swing my income at least $20,000-$30,000 up or down each year, but I don't want to shoot myself in the foot. 

Or is this simply too open-ended of a question?

[Steve Vaughan]

Even as an extreme DIYer, I would suggest a consult with a tax pro here.  Instead of a BP tax expert trying to outline all the different scenarios, in a half hour or so sit down a CPA could give you an awesome broad-stroke 'what-if' for you.  Probably give you a sheet or schedule on income thresholds, too.

@Paul B. you already know more than most, BTW.  I play what-if every year with my tax software as I can manipulate a lot as well.  What if I put $20k in my s-corp retirement?  What-if I paid more or paid less to my mgt co?  What if I rehab after I buy vs buy a nicer place up front for better cost segregation?  What if I sell 2 houses this year instead of 1?  That kind of thing has helped me pretty much have a negative effective marginal rate for years.