There are several basic strategies and most plans involve one or more of these options:
Deferring tax liability through certain investment choices and through pension plan contributions.
Investing your money to produce income that is exempt from either federal or state income tax or both.
Shifting deductions from one year to another to place them where the tax benefit will be greater.
Shifting income from one year to another in order to have it fall where it will be taxed at a lower rate.
Splitting income among family members or legal entities in order to get more of the income taxed at a lower rate.
Structuring your business affairs to obtain a tax deduction for things that you enjoy such as a new vehicle or computer.