Almost everything that can lower your 2026 tax bill has to happen before December 31. In April, we can only report what already happened. Here's your fall checklist — the same one we walk through with our own clients:

1. Know your numbers. Reconcile your bank and credit card accounts and get a year-to-date profit picture. Every other move depends on knowing roughly what you earned.

2. Time your equipment purchases. Section 179 allows up to $2,560,000 of qualifying equipment deductions for 2026, and 100% bonus depreciation is back — but the equipment must be placed in service by December 31. A purchase delivered in January is a 2027 deduction.

3. Collect W-9s now. The 1099-NEC reporting threshold jumps from $600 to $2,000 for 2026 payments. Get W-9s from your contractors and vendors before the January scramble; forms are due February 1, 2027.

4. Check your estimated taxes. If your income changed this year, recalculate before the fourth-quarter payment, due January 15, 2027. Underpaying means penalties on top of the tax.

5. Use the retirement and giving windows. Retirement plan contributions and charitable gifts generally must be made by December 31 to count for 2026. Remember the new $1,000/$2,000 charitable deduction for non-itemizers — small gifts now count too.

6. Organize your records while they're fresh. Receipts, invoices, mileage logs (2026 rate: 72.5¢/mile through June 30, 76¢ from July 1), and loan documents. Organized records mean a faster, cheaper, more accurate filing season — and fewer deductions lost.

The bottom line: a one-hour review in November can be worth real money in April. If you'd like us to run a year-end projection for your family or business, call 860-440-2669. H&A Business Consulting has served Connecticut families for over 20 years — in English and Spanish.

General information only — not tax advice for your specific situation.