What is a tax shelter?

A tax shelter is fundamentally a strategy designed to minimize taxable income, allowing individuals or businesses to reduce the amount of income that is subject to taxation. This is often achieved through various means, such as investments in specific accounts, deductions, or credits that are permitted under tax law. These strategies are legal and often used to optimize financial outcomes by deferring taxes or lowering the overall tax burden.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of a tax shelter. A legal exemption from property taxes pertains specifically to property tax laws and does not encompass broader tax strategies. The classification for low-income housing refers to a specific type of housing assistance, which again does not relate directly to tax minimization strategies. An area where taxes are less than the norm can refer to geographical tax advantages but does not align with the concept of strategizing to minimize taxable income.