Year-End Tax Planning Wizard (2026)
Most tax-saving moves have a hard December 31 deadline. Walk the checklist below and open the linked tools for the numbers. Every figure is sourced to the IRS or published statute cited at the bottom of each card.
Direct answer: The biggest 2026 year-end levers with a Dec 31 deadline are retirement contributions (401(k)/IRA), HSA funding, tax-loss harvesting, charitable gifts, and using the $19,000 annual gift exclusion. Under OBBBA 2025, also weigh the SALT cap ($40,400), the $6,000 senior deduction, and the no-tax-on-tips/ overtime deductions.
Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32; OBBBA 2025 (Pub. L. 119-21). Retrieved 2026-08-11. Not tax advice.
Why year-end timing matters
The U.S. tax system is calendar-year based, which means many planning opportunities close on December 31. Unlike deductions that carry forward (like capital-loss excesses), the contributions and elections listed in this wizard are use-it-or-lose-it for the current tax year. A 401(k) contribution made in January 2027 counts toward 2027, not 2026. An IRA contribution made by April 15, 2027 does count toward 2026 — that is one of the few calendar-year spillover windows.
The second reason timing matters is bracket management. If you know you will itemize in 2026, accelerating charitable contributions into December can push your total above the standard deduction threshold. Conversely, if you expect to itemize next year, deferring a charitable gift to January 2027 may be wiser — but only if your 2027 itemized total will exceed the 2027 standard deduction by a comfortable margin. The wizard helps you model both sides.
A planning checklist for moves that must happen before December 31 to affect your 2026 return (filed in 2027). Toggle what you’ve addressed.
Max out retirement contributions
2026 401(k) employee limit is $23,500 (catch-up extra for 60–63). Traditional contributions cut AGI; Roth gives tax-free growth. Sole proprietors can also deduct employer-side contributions.
Fund an HSA if eligible
Triple tax advantage (deductible, growth, tax-free withdrawals for medical). 2026 family limit is expected near $8,500; confirm the IRS figure.
Bunch charitable gifts
With the high standard deduction, itemizers can “bunch” several years of donations into one year (or a donor-advised fund) to clear the itemizing bar.
Harvest capital losses
Offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income after netting gains; carry the rest forward. Watch the 30-day wash-sale rule.
Consider a Roth conversion
Convert IRA funds in a low-income year; pay tax now to get tax-free withdrawals later. Watch IRMAA and the 5-year rule.
Check QBI before year-end
If SSTB income sits in the 2026 phase-in range ($201,750–$276,750 single / $403,500–$553,500 joint), a retirement contribution can drop you below the start and restore the 20% deduction.
Review estimated-tax payments
Avoid underpayment penalties by checking year-to-date withholdings and payments against your expected liability.
Use the annual gift exclusion
Give up to $19,000 per recipient (2026) free of reporting; married couples can split to double it and move wealth out of the estate.
Not tax, legal, or financial advice
Timing rules, income limits, and phase-outs apply to every item above. This is a reminder list, not advice — coordinate with a CPA/EA before acting, especially on conversions and business deductions.