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Answer (2026): Year-end tax planning is a last-look decision check to confirm what has been paid, what will be owed, and which moves are still possible before December 31. It is about timing and documentation, not loopholes.
Context: Best for families with variable income, RSUs, K-1s, or business distributions.
Action: Run the Year-End Tax Projection, then use Estimated Tax Catch-Up to confirm payments.
Last reviewed: February 8, 2026.
Earlier is better, but even a late check can prevent a surprise.
Lock the income picture. Base income plus variable income expected before year-end.
Confirm what has been paid. Withholding and estimated payments to date.
Map remaining decision windows. What can still change before December 31.
Run a projection range. Small, medium, or large gap is enough.
Check estimated tax timing. IRS periods are not calendar quarters. (https://www.irs.gov/faqs/estimated-tax)
Confirm documentation readiness. Make sure the CPA has the right inputs now, not in March.
Coordinate the next move. If the gap is meaningful, decide on a catch-up payment or withholding adjustment.
A founder expects a large Q4 distribution and a year-end bonus. The projection shows a medium payment gap, so the family schedules a catch-up payment and avoids an April surprise.
Run the Year-End Tax Projection and share the output with your CPA so every decision is grounded in real numbers.
This guide is for planning and coordination only. It does not provide tax or legal advice. Confirm decisions with a qualified professional.
