5 Tax-Smart Moves Before Year-End
As we approach year-end, your window to optimize 2026 taxes is closing. As a current Jackson Wealth Management client, you’re entitled to proactive tax planning and scenario modeling—essentially running your 2026 return in advance. We’ll see if you’re tracking toward a refund or a tax bill and then apply strategies to reduce—sometimes substantially—your overall tax liability.
“If it’s important to you, it’s important to us. If it’s not important to you, we can’t make it important to us.”
Below are five high-impact moves—updated for recent federal changes—that we can evaluate together using Holistiplan and our Chart Your Course™ framework. Your situation is unique; we’ll model the options and implement what truly benefits you.
1) Maximize Itemized Deductions (SALT & Timing)
With updated limits and interaction effects, the State & Local Tax (SALT) deduction and other itemized deductions can be more valuable—but only if you itemize. We’ll test itemizing versus the standard deduction and consider the timing of property taxes or state estimated payments to improve your outcome.
2) Leverage New Income Provisions (Overtime/Tip Rules Where Applicable)
If your household has variable income (overtime, tips, bonuses), new provisions can shift your taxable income picture. We’ll run side-by-side projections to capture any new above-the-line deductions or exclusions and quantify their impact.
3) Optimize Charitable Giving
We’ll evaluate “bunching” donations into this year, funding a Donor-Advised Fund, or gifting appreciated securities to avoid embedded gains. Our modeling shows whether itemizing this year or using the standard deduction next year creates the greatest net benefit.
4) Accelerate Business Deductions & Depreciation
Business owners can potentially benefit from 100% bonus depreciation on qualified assets and expanded Section 179 expensing limits. We’ll coordinate with your CPA to evaluate year-end purchases placed in service by December 31 and quantify immediate vs. long-term impact.
5) Fix Quarterly Estimates & Avoid April Surprises
Many estimates are just last year’s guess. Using Holistiplan, we’ll project your true 2026 income and adjust estimates so you neither dramatically overpay nor underpay. Fewer surprises, more control.
Bonus: Harvest Long-Term Gains at Favorable Rates
If your household falls into lower thresholds, we may be able to realize long-term capital gains at 0%. This can help rebalance or diversify with minimal tax drag. We’ll test the brackets before we act.
Why This Matters
Tax planning isn’t a once-a-year event. It’s an ongoing process of clarity, confidence, and follow-through. As our advisory client, you’re entitled to:
- Forward-looking tax scenarios (essentially running your 2026 return in advance)
- In-year projections of refunds or balances due—before you file
- Actionable strategies to reduce your lifetime tax exposure and increase after-tax wealth
Ready to Model Your 2026 Taxes Now?
Reserve a Tax Strategy & Tactical Session. We’ll run the scenarios, pick the winners, and execute before year-end.
Schedule Your Strategy & Tactical SessionJackson Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult with your tax or legal advisor regarding your personal situation. We coordinate with your CPA upon request.