Eric Swalwell can reduce federal tax payments through standard, legal tax- planning moves like increasing withholding accuracy, making deductible retirement contributions, using available credits and deductions, and, if he qualifies, itemizing state and local taxes within federal limits. Public reporting also says he previously reduced or zeroed out withholding on his congressional salary, which can delay tax payments but may trigger penalties if not enough tax is paid on time.

What the reports say

Swalwell’s own House materials show he has supported expanding SALT deductibility and other tax changes aimed at lowering federal taxes for taxpayers, especially in high-tax states. His campaign site also says he wants to ease burdens on working families and businesses through tax policy changes, though that is broader policy, not a personal tax strategy.

Practical legal levers

A person in his situation could generally lower federal tax payments by:

  • Adjusting withholding to match actual liability more closely.
  • Contributing to pre-tax retirement accounts when eligible.
  • Claiming lawful deductions and credits.
  • Timing income and deductions where legally possible.
  • Using SALT deductions only as allowed under current federal law.

Important caveat

Deliberately underwithholding is not a tax-saving strategy so much as a payment-delay tactic, and it can lead to penalties if the IRS later determines too little was paid during the year. Reports about his 2021–2024 finances also say he and his wife used retirement withdrawals and delayed federal payments, but those reports describe scrutiny, not a confirmed tax violation.

If you want the short version

He can reduce federal taxes legally with deductions, credits, retirement contributions, and careful withholding, but if he simply withholds too little, he may owe penalties later.