[Spooky23]

401k, HSA, 529s for state taxes. You can give children gifts up to $28k, which is taxed at the kids rate. There are games you can play with home equity loans.

If you own a business there is a thousand ways to do it. One thing I’ve seen is people’s businesses “donate” to private schools and then get “merit” scholarships for their kids. You can accelerate depreciation of up to $500k of assets, etc.

If you’re smart, you’ll sometimes pay less tax in high tax states. Usually the low tax states have higher property and sales tax rates.

[kelnos]

Re: 529s, do remember that tax treatment varies widely state to state. I was bummed to learn that California doesn't offer any deductions for 529 contributions.

(Of course the tax treatment for qualified withdrawals is the same regardless of where you live.)