Struggling to be debt free

  I owed an additional $1,249 in taxes for 2023. I did not have the benefit of 401k contributions so all of my W2 income was taxed. I also had almost $2,500 in interest income. I ended up paying approximately $30,300 total in taxes in 2023.  That's definitely a lot of money. I am on the hook for quarterly taxes for 2024.  I don't think I will owe much, if anything, in 2024 as I will have the benefit of my 401k contributions to offset my taxable income.  This was a good lesson to plan for taxes. I don't know anything about tax shelters or ways to decrease taxable income, other than retirement contributions.  I would like to research this topic so I can have a better understanding of planning for possible future tax bills.  Anyone have a surprising tax bill this year?  Anyone ever have to look into (legal) ways to decrease taxable income? 

  I haven't done one of these since July of 2019! Here's where the numbers stand. Savings $18,499.26 Ally Savings Account (Saved for Roof Replacement) $45,774.85 Marcus Savings Account   $66,213.02 Retirement- Roth IRA  $85,219.88 Taxable Brokerage (Retirement) $20,147.23 Former Employer 401k $3,900.32 Current Employer 401k $31,831.52 Bank Account  Home- $437,500-per zillow               Total (not including home): $271,586.08               Total (including home): $709,086.08 Liabilities- Mortgage $144,563.81                                  Total (not including mortgage): $0                     Total (including mortgage): -$144,563.81           Total Net Worth(not including mortgage/home): $271,586.08...