Year-End Planning Checklist for 2026

Review before December 31

• Max out workplace retirement savingsCheck whether you can still raise 401(k), 403(b) or 457 contributions from your last paychecks of the year.
• Plan IRA and Roth contributionsYou generally have until the tax-filing deadline in April 2027 to contribute for 2026.
• Take required minimum distributionsIncluding from inherited IRAs where they apply. Missing one can mean a penalty.³
• Consider a QCD for charitable giftsIf you're 70½ or older. See Giving to Charity Straight from Your IRA.
• Make annual exclusion giftsUp to $19,000 per recipient for 2026. Gifts to a 529 plan count too.²
• Use or fund health accountsSpend any use-it-or-lose-it FSA money, and check HSA contributions against the limits.
• Review gains and losses in taxable accountsSelling investments at a loss can offset gains. Talk with your CPA before making trades for tax reasons.
• Check beneficiary designationsMarriages, divorces, births and deaths this year can all leave a form out of date.
• Finish open enrollment carefullyHealth plan, life and disability coverage, and the dependent care FSA, which allows up to $7,500 a household starting in 2026.⁴
• Look at your estate documentsWill, trust, powers of attorney and health care directive. Do they still say what you want?

Print this checklist

Key 2026 numbers

Income limits apply to Roth IRA contributions and to deducting traditional IRA contributions. Some catch-up contributions must go in as Roth for higher earners. Check with your plan or tax preparer.