As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to slow down and take stock before the calendar resets and the window to act closes.
Fourth quarter planning isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about using the time we have left to get intentional with tax strategy, cash flow, and opportunities that disappear once the year ends. And in our experience, the families who build momentum here tend to make better long-term decisions across the board.
Here’s a quick look at the key conversations we’re having right now with individuals, executives, and business owners alike.
Year-End Planning for Everyone
Tax Projection & Planning
We’ll look at your income so far and estimate where you’ll land. Are you in a higher bracket this year? Are there decisions we can make now to reduce your total tax bill? The goal is to avoid surprises and find opportunities while they’re still available.
Charitable Giving Strategy
If giving is important to you, we’ll explore ways to give more effectively like donating stock instead of cash or bunching gifts through a donor-advised fund. We are always looking to be generous to those doing great work and not “generous” to the government.
Roth Conversions
This is a conversation worth revisiting annually. If you’re in a lower-than-usual tax year, we may want to convert some of your pre-tax IRA dollars into a Roth IRA now, locking in today’s rates in exchange for tax-free growth later.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
If you’re over age 73 or have inherited retirement accounts, the IRS requires that you withdraw a specific amount. We’ll make sure this is handled correctly and explore whether a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) might be a smarter way to satisfy the rule while supporting a cause you care about.
HSA & FSA Review
Health-related savings accounts often have use-it-or-lose-it provisions. We’ll help you top off contributions or spend down remaining balances before they vanish.
Harvesting Gains or Losses
We’ll look for smart ways to realize gains or losses in your investment accounts either to lock in profits at lower tax rates or offset other income. The mechanics are simple, but the timing can be powerful.
Questions For Executives
Equity Compensation Review
Stock options, RSUs, ESPPs—if you’re receiving equity, the fourth quarter is a good time to look at vesting schedules, tax implications, and what to exercise or hold. These decisions can carry a bigger impact than most people realize. We want to make the best decisions each time you need to make elections for your corporate benefits.
Maximize 401(k) & Deferred Comp
Are you on track to hit your contribution limits? Could you benefit from deferring more income this year? We’ll look at your employer plans and find ways to optimize before December 31.
Bonus & Withholding Check
Bonuses can push you into a higher bracket or cause unexpected tax issues. We’ll look at your projected income and withholding to make sure you’re not caught off guard come April.
Questions For Business Owners
Year-End Business Spending & Section 179
Now is the time to ask: Should we accelerate certain business purchases or delay them into next year? Used well, this flexibility can lower your tax bill without compromising your cash flow. Don’t let the tax tail wag the business dog; being intentional with timing can make a significant impact.
Retirement Plan Contributions
Whether you have a SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), or defined benefit plan, or are thinking about starting one, we’ll review how much you can contribute this year and whether there’s time to add more.
Quarterly Tax Check-In
We’ll revisit estimated payments and business profitability. If your year went better (or worse) than expected, we may need to adjust your Q4 payment to avoid penalties or better match your cash flow.
Salary & Entity Structure
Is your business paying you in the most tax-efficient way? Should you revisit your salary or how you’re structured? These are often overlooked in busy seasons, but small changes can have a big long-term effect.
Let’s Make the Most of the Time We Have
Every year, we walk clients through these conversations, each one personalized, thoughtful, and designed to support the broader picture. It’s not just about saving on taxes or maximizing deductions. It’s about taking control of the things you can control while there’s still time on the clock.
If you’re ready for a year-end planning conversation, we’re here to walk through it with you.
Let’s finish strong. Envizion More.