Year-End Tax Planning Checklist

Planning should start while there is still time to act and document the decision.

Income and payments

Project annual wages, business profit and investment income
Compare projected tax with withholding and estimates
Review bonuses, retirement distributions and capital transactions
Identify state tax changes and moves

Business review

Reconcile bookkeeping through the latest month
Review payroll and owner compensation
List equipment purchases and sales
Review retirement plan contribution deadlines
Confirm entity elections and recurring filing requirements

Personal review

Update dependent and filing-status facts
Review HSA, IRA and employer retirement contributions
Gather charitable giving documentation
Consider education and energy-credit records
Plan for health-insurance subsidy reconciliation where applicable

Document the plan

Write down assumptions and deadlines
Confirm cash required for tax payments or contributions
Update the projection after major changes
Keep records supporting each completed action

This checklist is general information. Your return or matter may require additional records. Do not email sensitive documents unless you are using an approved secure method.