Proactive Tax Planning for 2026: Small Moves That Can Make a Big Difference

The best tax planning isn’t reactive—it’s strategic.

And for many families, it’s not about one giant move. It’s about identifying a few high-impact levers and using them intentionally throughout the year.  

Strategies we commonly evaluate  

Depending on your situation, proactive tax planning may include:  

• Tax-loss harvesting: Using losses to offset gains while managing wash-sale rules.
• Strategic gain harvesting: In certain years, realizing gains intentionally can reduce long-term tax cost.
• Roth conversion analysis: Especially valuable around retirement transitions, business sales, or before RMD years.
• Charitable planning: Donating appreciated securities or using a donor-advised fund to improve tax efficiency.
• Asset location: Placing tax-inefficient investments in more tax-advantaged accounts when appropriate. 
• Withholding and estimates: Getting payments right can prevent penalties and reduce cash flow surprises.  

The goal

The goal isn’t to chase deductions. It’s to make strategic choices throughout the year—so tax planning becomes part of the plan, not a year-end scramble.  

A helpful next step

If you’d like, we can map out a simple Q1–Q4 tax planning roadmap and coordinate with your CPA to implement the strategies that fit your situation.  

_{Disclosure: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. Consult your CPA for guidance specific to your situation.}