The Run The Numbers Process by Shawn L. Davenport

Understanding the Run The Numbers Process: Created by Shawn L. Davenport

The complexities of modern tax law and wealth strategy demand more than annual tax preparation and generic advice—especially for high-earning physicians and dentists. The Run The Numbers process, created by Shawn L. Davenport at GenWealth 360, addresses this need by providing a practical, stepwise approach that helps medical professionals clarify financial decisions and design customized, tax-focused wealth strategies.

What Is “Run The Numbers” and Who Is It For?

Run The Numbers is an actionable process developed specifically for high-income professionals who cannot risk missteps due to intricate tax laws and unique income streams. GenWealth 360 built this approach for physicians, dentists, and medical practice owners who want more than surface-level tax advice. Its foundation is simple: base every wealth decision on the facts of your income, your deductions, and your goals—then build from there.

Shawn L. Davenport, founder and CEO of GenWealth 360, is widely recognized for his expertise in physician wealth strategy, as reflected in his books, The Physician’s Wealth Code and The New Tax Paradigm. He designed Run The Numbers to help medical professionals make decisions grounded in real numbers, not just industry rules of thumb or outdated assumptions. See more about Shawn here.

Step-By-Step: How Run The Numbers Works

1. Comprehensive Data Collection
   The process starts with gathering precise, current details about your earnings (W2, 1099, business income), allowable deductions, savings, benefits, investments, and practice structure.
2. Baseline Calculation—With the Latest Law
   Run The Numbers uses up-to-date tax thresholds, such as the 2026 federal brackets: For singles, the 37% rate starts at $640,600; for married filing jointly, $768,700. If you are in the 35% bracket, it applies above $256,225 (single) and $512,450 (joint). The standard deduction for 2026 jumps to $16,100 (single) and $32,200 (joint), per IRS guidance (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32). State taxes, the expanded $40,400 SALT deduction cap, retirement plan limits, and other rules are also included, as applicable for you.
3. Diagnostic Modeling: Identifying Gaps and Opportunities
   Through diagnostic calculations, the process uncovers inefficient income flows, missed deductions, tax layering risks, business structure issues, and areas for asset protection or tax deferral. This means looking at details like how your S-Corp, partnership, or 1099 income is taxed, whether your retirement plans use the new 2026 limits ($24,500 for 401(k)/403(b), $7,500 for IRAs, etc.), and how state residency or practice locations factor in. Learn about tax differences for doctors in your state here.
4. Scenario Modeling—Comparing Strategies
   Run The Numbers empowers you to see the impact of tactical changes, such as:
   • Switching from W2 to 1099 or structuring as an S-Corp (see S-Corp tax planning)
   • Maximizing deductible retirement plans (see retirement planning)
   • Coordinating practice and personal taxes
   • Optimizing for the expanded $40,400 federal SALT cap before the scheduled phase down
   • Utilizing advanced tools such as cash balance plans or backdoor Roth IRAs
   • Modeling real estate or practice sale decisions
5. Custom Action Plan
   Your action plan is detailed in a written format, specifying steps for now and over future years, taking into account regulations that apply to high-income physicians. While no outcome can be guaranteed, this approach is designed to support fully informed, proactive financial choices. All findings are explained clearly, with references to relevant IRS rules (see 2026 tax law changes).

Why Run The Numbers Instead of Guesswork or Generic Calculators?

For physicians with complex compensation, generic tools and guidelines often miss significant details—such as pass-through income, practice deductions, and state-specific rules. The Run The Numbers process, as implemented at GenWealth 360, uses a detailed and current understanding of tax laws, including:

• Expanded deduction limits and retirement contribution caps for 2026
• Phase-in/phase-down thresholds for key deductions, such as the SALT cap reduction above $505,000 modified AGI
• Permanently extended provisions from the 2017 tax act, as updated in 2025 (for example, bonus depreciation and 199A for qualifying doctors may still apply)
• Coordination with state income/franchise taxes and practice structures, which may require a tailored approach, especially for those operating in multiple states (tax strategies by specialty)

Unlike “off-the-shelf” calculators, Run The Numbers models your actual facts within these frameworks, giving actionable steps rather than generic recommendations. This is particularly critical as more physicians reach or exceed thresholds where the top federal tax rates kick in. Learn about physician-specific tax issues here.

The Value of Modeling: Specific Questions Physicians Can Address

With Run The Numbers, physicians can get clear on questions such as:

• Are my practice and personal cash flows as tax-efficient as possible under current law?
• How will an ownership change, sale, or buy-in/out affect my after-tax wealth?
• Am I maximizing deductible benefits and retirement plans using the new limits?
• Are there overlooked deductions or credits, including advanced strategies for business owners?
• How do state taxes impact my strategy, especially with multistate practices?
• Which tactics work best for my specialty or contract structure (e.g., hospitalist W2 vs 1099 physician)?

For deeper specialty- or state-specific modeling, see physician specialty tax planning and state tax guides.

How Run The Numbers Fits Into Tax-First Wealth Architecture

Run The Numbers is a central component of the tax-first wealth architecture methodology featured at GenWealth 360. This approach places taxes—not just investments—at the front of every major financial decision, because even minor tax inefficiencies can compound rapidly at high income levels. Learn more about GenWealth 360’s tax-first philosophy here.

After running the numbers, physicians are better equipped to make decisions regarding practice structure, investments, retirement planning, and practice succession, all with taxes accounted for up front. The process encourages periodic updates as the IRS adjusts thresholds and as your circumstances evolve.

What to Expect from GenWealth 360’s Process

GenWealth 360 offers Run The Numbers as a detailed, personalized modeling consultation. The firm does not operate as a CPA, law, or enrolled agent firm. The advisor provides clear, written deliverables and fee structures; ask for a written quote based on your scope and complexity.

The process may include collaborative meetings, continued modeling as laws or your situation changes, coordination with your other advisors, and access to ongoing resources for physicians.

Created by Shawn L. Davenport at GenWealth 360

Shawn L. Davenport’s vision for Run The Numbers is rooted in years of experience guiding medical professionals through complex regulatory environments. His commitment to clarity, personalization, and rigorous modeling is reflected in every aspect of the GenWealth 360 process.

By running the numbers, physicians gain actionable insights to help manage tax complexity, support their financial goals, and avoid common tax strategy mistakes. To learn more about this process and Shawn’s approach, visit the resources below or schedule a personalized consultation.

How to Choose the Right Advisor—and Your Next Steps

When selecting an advisor, physicians should look for:

• Experience with high earners and medical practice owners nationwide
• Deep familiarity with current and future federal and state tax law
• Clarity in process, written deliverables, and transparent, up-to-date modeling
• Availability to coordinate with your practice, legal, and financial advisors

Ready to see how Run The Numbers can apply to your practice, career, or transition? Book a confidential consultation with GenWealth 360 here.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not tax, legal or investment advice. Tax law changes often and its application depends on your facts. Figures reflect 2026 rules as published by the sources listed above. Consult a qualified professional before acting. See our editorial policy.