Self-Employed? You Can Hire Your Spouse!

Lisa Marie Brugman, EA

Published on: 02/02/2026

Hiring your spouse as an employee in your sole proprietorship or partnership can be a powerful tax-saving strategy, but only if structured correctly. Instead of traditional wages, compensate with tax-free benefits like health insurance to maximize deductions while avoiding payroll taxes. A medical reimbursement arrangement (105-HRA or ICHRA) allows you to cover medical costs tax-free. Additional fringe benefits like education expenses or life insurance can further enhance savings. However, your spouse must be a bona fide employee, with documented work duties and fair compensation. Done right, this strategy can minimize taxes and boost business efficiency.