Learning The Game

Learning the Game

Understanding the U.S. Tax Code to Keep More of What You Earn

Most people don’t lose money because they’re irresponsible.
They lose money because they don’t understand the system they’re already inside.

Taxes feel confusing, intimidating, and punitive because almost no one is taught how the U.S. tax system actually works. You work, you earn, money disappears, and you’re expected to accept the outcome without ever seeing the full picture.

Learning the Game explains the U.S. tax system in plain English — without loopholes, scams, or illegal nonsense.

This book helps you understand:

• How the U.S. tax system is structured (federal, state, local)
• Why taxes are “pay-as-you-go” and why filing isn’t the strategy moment
• The different types of taxes Americans actually pay (income, payroll, self-employment, capital gains, sales, property)
• Why how income is earned matters more than how much
• How tax brackets really work (and why raises don’t hurt you)
• The real difference between deductions and credits
• What the IRS actually cares about — and what it doesn’t
• How the 2025 tax changes (including tips and overtime deductions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) really work, without headlines or hype

This is not a “pay zero taxes” book.
It’s not tax evasion.
It’s a clear, grounded guide to understanding the rules of the game so you can make better decisions inside it.

If you’ve ever felt like:

• You work harder but fall further behind
• Taxes are confusing by design
• You’re afraid of getting something wrong
• No one ever explained how this actually works

This book will give you clarity, context, and calm.

Includes an IRS-based Quick Reference Appendix (2025) with:

• Federal tax brackets
• Standard deduction amounts
• Payroll and self-employment tax breakdowns
• Capital gains overview
• Filing thresholds
• Summary of 2025 tips and overtime deductions

Written for regular people — employees, freelancers, and anyone tired of feeling lost when it comes to taxes.