Earned income gets taxed in many ways: at the federal and state levels, and by Social Security and Medicare, to name a few. Taxes are difficult to avoid, but there are many strategies to help ward them off. Here are six ways to protect your income from taxes.

1. Invest in Municipal Bonds

2. Shoot for Long-Term Capital Gains

3. Start a Business

4. Max Out Retirement Accounts

5. Use a Health Savings Account (HSA)

6. Get IRS Credits