Resource · Tax Planning

Year-End Tax Moves

The moves worth making before December 31 — Roth conversions, charitable giving, harvesting, and RMDs.

Some tax decisions can only be made, or only matter, in the last few weeks of the year. This checklist covers the moves we review with clients each fall.

What’s inside

Tax-loss harvesting

How selling investments at a loss can offset gains, and the wash sale rule to watch.

Roth conversions

When converting pre-tax savings to Roth can make sense, and how it can affect Medicare premiums.

Charitable giving

Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), donor-advised funds, gifts of appreciated stock, and bunching several years of gifts into one.

Required distributions and contributions

Year-end deadlines for required minimum distributions (RMDs), 401(k) contributions, and estimated taxes.

Other year-end decisions

Annual gifts, flexible spending account (FSA) balances, Ohio 529 contributions, and capital gains planning.

Start the conversation in the fall

Download the checklist early in the fall if you can. If you’ve had a big income year, let us know as soon as possible so there’s time to plan.

Download the checklist

This content is for informational purposes only and is not individualized advice.

Tax PlanningThe Annual Gift Tax ExclusionThe annual gift tax exclusion lets you give up to a set amount to each of as many people as you want each year without using your lifetime exemption or, generally, filing a gift tax return. Here’s this year’s number and how it fits into year-end giving to family.Tax PlanningUsing Qualified Charitable Distributions to Reduce Your Tax BurdenA qualified charitable distribution sends IRA funds straight to charity and keeps the amount out of your taxable income. Here’s who qualifies, how much you can give, and the December 31 deadline.Tax PlanningQCDs vs. Donor-Advised Funds vs. Direct Gifts: Comparing Charitable Giving Strategies in RetirementA qualified charitable distribution, a donor-advised fund, and a direct gift can all support the same cause, but each is treated differently at tax time. Here's how the three compare.

Ready to talk?

Schedule a 15-minute introductory call.

Book a call