YEAR-END TAX STRATEGIES:
FOUR KEY OPPORTUNITIES TO CONSIDER
With 2025 coming to an end, now is the time for investors to evaluate decisions that may affect their tax obligations and overall financial strategy. Although sound financial planning occurs throughout the year, numerous tax-related deadlines align with December 31. The closing weeks of the year therefore present a valuable window to assess tax approaches and complete actions that could influence 2025 tax returns.
This article examines four important considerations for investors, covering retirement account withdrawal requirements, Roth conversion opportunities, year-end contribution planning, and tax‑efficient portfolio positioning. Given the complexity of these topics and the variety of rules that apply differently to each person, consulting with qualified professionals is essential.
COMPLETING REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS BY YEAR-END IS CRITICAL
TODAY'S ENVIRONMENT CREATES COMPELLING ROTH CONVERSION OPPORTUNITIES
Roth conversions represent another valuable year‑end planning mechanism with a December 31 cutoff. Through a Roth conversion, investors move assets from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA, generating immediate taxable income while securing tax‑free future growth and withdrawals.
While Roth contributions face income restrictions, conversions remain accessible to all investors without regard to income level. For those exceeding Roth IRA income thresholds, these transactions are frequently termed “backdoor” Roth conversions.
Important considerations include:
- Tax bracket comparison
- Time horizon for tax-free growth
- Medicare IRMAA implications
ENSURING RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS ARE COMPLETED BEFORE DECEMBER 31
While much of the attention at year‑end focuses on withdrawals and tax‑management techniques, maximizing retirement savings remains equally important. For many workplace retirement plans—such as 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans—the deadline to make employee salary‑deferral contributions is December 31. Missing this cutoff can mean forfeiting valuable tax benefits and potential employer matches for the entire year.
Making full use of available contribution limits is a key component of long‑term planning. For 2025, employees can contribute up to IRS‑specified annual limits, with additional catch‑up contributions available for those age 50 and older. These contributions not only enhance retirement readiness but may also reduce taxable income for the current year when made on a pre‑tax basis.
Several considerations make year‑end contribution planning essential:
- Maximizing employer matching: Employer matches are often tied to annual contributions. Ensuring contributions are spaced appropriately throughout the year—or adjusted in the final payroll cycles—helps avoid leaving match dollars on the table.
- Pre-tax versus Roth contributions: The decision between pre‑tax and Roth savings should reflect an investor’s current versus expected future tax bracket, similar to Roth conversion considerations.
- Last-minute contribution adjustments: Employees may opt to increase contribution percentages in December payroll periods to reach the annual limit. Even small adjustments can create meaningful long‑term benefits.
Although IRA contributions are permitted until the April tax filing deadline, workplace plan contributions strictly follow the calendar‑year cutoff. This distinction reinforces the importance of reviewing contribution status before year‑end.
STRATEGIC TAX-LOSS HARVESTING REDUCES CURRENT-YEAR TAX OBLIGATIONS
EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION DEMANDS COMPREHENSIVE COORDINATION
Year‑end financial planning derives power not merely from executing isolated strategies, but from integrating them strategically to maximize combined advantages. While minimizing current‑year taxes holds value, it shouldn’t compromise broader financial aspirations. Optimal planning weighs both immediate tax consequences and long‑term wealth building, ensuring present decisions advance future goals.
The bottom line? Numerous time‑sensitive opportunities exist for investors before year‑end. This represents an ideal moment to examine your tax and financial circumstances.
With key deadlines fast approaching, now is the time to connect and discuss how these strategies may apply to you—helping ensure nothing is missed before year-end arrives. Reach out to me today and let’s review your tax and financial strategy before year-end to identify potential opportunities for savings, growth, and greater long-term confidence.
CHRIS WARD, CFP®
Chris has been helping clients as a Financial Advisor since 2007 and established EntryPoint Wealth Management as an opportunity to offer clients access to his best partnership for financial advice. He works as an integrated partner with you and your financial life, to help you better your financial situation and achieve your goals.
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