Year-End Tax Moves Checklist 2026

Answer a few questions to get a personalized, ranked list of tax moves to make before December 31 — each with its deadline and the calculator to run it.

Private by design. No SSN, no bank login, no IRS login, no payroll password. Runs in your browser. Educational estimate only.
About your situation
Your 3 year-end moves, ranked
Highest priority first
1
Max out your 401(k)/403(b)By Dec 31, 2026
Contributions reduce this year's taxable income, but they must come out of paychecks by December 31. Bump your deferral on the last few checks.
Paycheck optimizer →
2
Make your charitable giftsBy Dec 31, 2026
Give before December 31 to count this year. Non-itemizers can now deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 MFJ) of cash gifts.
Charitable deduction guide →
3
Fine-tune your W-4 withholdingBy Dec 31, 2026
Check whether you're on track before the year closes so you don't owe a big balance — or give the IRS a free loan.
W-4 optimizer →

Learn more

How to use this checklist

Answer the questions and your list re-ranks instantly — Dec 31 items first (they expire at year-end), then Jan 15 and Apr 15 deadlines. Each move links straight to the calculator that runs it, so you can size the action, not just check a box. Print or save your list and work down it before the year closes.

Most of the biggest levers — retirement contributions from payroll, tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversions, FSA spending, and charitable gifts — are only available before December 31. A short year-end review often uncovers several hundred to several thousand dollars in savings you can't get back once the calendar flips.

Frequently asked questions
What are the most important year-end tax moves?
Taking your RMD if 73+, maxing your 401(k)/HSA, harvesting investment losses, a bracket-filling Roth conversion, spending your FSA, and charitable gifts. This checklist ranks the ones that apply to you.
What's the deadline for year-end moves?
Most are December 31, 2026. HSA and IRA contributions run to the April 2027 filing deadline, and the Q4 estimated payment is due January 15, 2027.
Is it too late to lower my taxes?
No — the biggest levers (retirement contributions, loss harvesting, Roth conversions, charitable gifts, FSA spending) are only available before December 31.
Why do a Roth conversion at year-end?
Year-end is when you can best estimate your income, so you can convert just enough to fill your current bracket without spilling into the next one — ideal in low-income years.
Should I bunch charitable gifts?
If you're near the standard-deduction threshold, giving two years' worth in one year can let you itemize that year and take the standard deduction the next. Non-itemizers can also deduct up to $1,000/$2,000 of cash gifts.
Sources & verification
Educational estimate only. This checklist highlights common year-end moves based on your answers; it isn't personalized tax advice and doesn't cover every situation. Confirm specifics with a qualified tax professional. Full disclaimer.