October has a way of feeling like there’s still plenty of year left.
Then the holidays arrive, calendars fill up, and suddenly, the financial decisions you meant to address before December 31 become harder to act on or are no longer available.
That’s why now is a good time to look at what’s possible and know your options.
The Eight Questions Worth Asking.
Year-end planning is about so much more than just getting your taxes ready.
It’s an opportunity to look at what changed during the year, what may be on the horizon, and to determine whether there are decisions you can still make while the 2026 calendar is on your side.
And with several important planning figures to keep in mind for 2026, do you know how they affect your situation specifically?
Start Here:
Did your income or tax picture change significantly this year?
A large bonus, business income, stock compensation, investment gains or losses, or an unexpected distribution could affect your 2026 tax picture. The timing of income, deductions, estimated tax payments, and other transactions may deserve another look.
Are there retirement decisions you haven’t addressed?
Retirement plan contributions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), inherited retirement accounts, Roth conversions, and the timing of withdrawals can all have tax implications. If your income is unusually high or low this year, that may make the conversation even more important.
2026 PLANNING NOTE
For 2026, the employee contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457 plans is $24,500. Eligible participants age 50 or older may generally contribute an additional $8,000, while participants who turn ages 60 through 63 during 2026 may be eligible for a higher $11,250 catch-up contribution.
Has your investment picture changed?
Concentrated stock, significant cash, CDs, outside investment accounts, or sizable realized gains and losses may create opportunities to revisit how your investments and taxes are working together.
Are you planning a significant charitable gift?
Before writing a check, it may be worth considering what you give, how you give it, and when. For larger gifts, appreciated assets, charitable vehicles, or even a business interest before a potential sale, coordination among your financial, tax, and legal professionals may be warranted.
2026 PLANNING NOTE
If you’re age 70½ or older, a qualified charitable distribution from an IRA may be worth considering as part of your charitable and retirement-income planning.
Could a major business decision be on the horizon?
If you’re considering a sale, recapitalization, ownership change, acquisition, or significant distribution in the next few years, some of the most important planning may need to happen well before the transaction itself. Tax basis, projected proceeds, liquidity needs, charitable intentions, and your personal financial plan can all become part of the conversation.
Do you own assets that have more complex tax considerations?
Qualified Opportunity Fund investments, potentially eligible Qualified Small Business Stock, large pass-through losses, or significant business investments may require additional tax and legal review before year-end.
Has your estate or wealth-transfer picture changed?
Changes in your family, assets, business interests, or long-term wishes may be a reason to revisit beneficiary designations, trusts, insurance, gifting strategies, asset ownership, valuations, or estate liquidity.
2026 PLANNING NOTE
For 2026, the federal annual gift-tax exclusion is $19,000 per recipient.
And perhaps the simplest question:
What have you been meaning to address all year that you still haven’t gotten to?
There is still time to act. But it’s important to remember that many year-end strategies take time to evaluate, coordinate with your tax or legal professionals, and put into action.
Start the Conversation Today
If even one of these questions made you stop and think, let’s talk about it before the calendar makes the decision for you. Simply contact us to continue the conversation.