WJ CPA PLLCThe leaves are turning, the pumpkin spice is back, and 2026 is heading into its final stretch. Just like raking leaves before the first freeze, a little planning now saves a lot of work later. There are about eight weeks left in the year, and what you do before December 31 can still change your tax bill.
Here's what's on my radar for you this season, the deadlines to know, and how we can work together so there are no surprises in April.
Important 2027 filing deadlines
For 2026 tax returns, calendar-year filers. Dates already adjusted for weekends.
| Jan 15 | 4th-quarter 2026 estimated tax payment |
|---|---|
| Apr 15 | Form 1040 due (or file an extension); last day for 2026 IRA and HSA contributions; gift tax returns (Form 709); 1st-quarter 2027 estimate |
| Oct 15 | Extended Form 1040 due |
| Feb 1 | W-2s and 1099-NECs to workers and the IRS; Q4 payroll returns (Form 941) and annual FUTA return (Form 940) |
|---|---|
| Mar 15 | S corporation (1120-S) and partnership/multi-member LLC (1065) returns and K-1s, or extension |
| Apr 15 | C corporation returns (1120) or extension |
| May 17 | Texas franchise tax report and Public Information Report (May 15 falls on a Saturday) |
| Sep 15 | Extended S corporation and partnership returns |
| Oct 15 | Extended C corporation returns |
| Jan 15 | 4th-quarter 2026 estimated tax for trusts (estates are generally exempt for their first two years) |
|---|---|
| Apr 15 | Form 1041 and beneficiary K-1s for calendar-year trusts and estates, or extension |
| Sep 30 | Extended Form 1041 due |
| Varies | Estates on a fiscal year file by the 15th day of the 4th month after year-end. Estate tax returns (Form 706) are due 9 months after the date of death. |
01Let's build your tax estimate before year-end
The best time to find out what you'll owe is before December 31, while there's still time to do something about it. I'll use your year-to-date books to project your 2026 tax, then we'll look at:
- Your fourth-quarter estimate (due January 15). We'll size the payment to what you'll actually owe, not a guess.
- Underpayment penalties. You're generally protected if your 2026 payments cover 100% of your 2025 tax (110% if your 2025 income was over $150,000), or 90% of your 2026 tax.
- Moves that lower the bill before the year closes, like timing equipment purchases or retirement contributions.
Get on my calendar. Spots fill up quickly in December.
021099 prep is starting now
My team is already reviewing your books so January is smooth. Here's what's new and what we'll need from you:
- The threshold is now $2,000. For payments made in 2026, you only issue a 1099 to contractors and landlords you paid $2,000 or more (it used to be $600).
- Watch for our W-9 list. If we're missing a W-9 for anyone who needs a 1099, we'll send you a list. Getting those back early is the single biggest help.
- Card and PayPal payments don't count. Payments made by credit card or through PayPal are reported by those companies, not by you.
- Attorneys always get one, even if their firm is a corporation.
Fall tip: Get a W-9 from every new contractor before you pay them the first time. It's much easier than chasing it in January.
03S corp owners: health insurance goes on your W-2
If you own more than 2% of an S corporation and the company pays (or reimburses) your health insurance, those premiums must be added to your W-2 wages. Done correctly, it's subject to income tax but not Social Security or Medicare, and it lets you take the self-employed health insurance deduction on your personal return.
Miss it, and the deduction can be lost. Here's what I need:
- Total 2026 health, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family
- Any HSA contributions the company made for you (these are treated the same way)
- Send it by December 1 so it makes it onto your final 2026 payroll
This is also a good time to make sure your salary is reasonable for the work you do. We'll check it during your projection.
04Other year-end moves to consider
Max out retirement contributions
For 2026: 401(k) up to $24,500 (plus $8,000 if you're 50 or older, or $11,250 if you're 60–63 and your plan allows it). IRAs: $7,500 (plus $1,100 if 50+), and you have until April 15 for those. 401(k) deferrals must come out of 2026 paychecks.
Fund your HSA
If you have a high-deductible health plan, you can contribute up to $4,400 (self-only) or $8,750 (family) for 2026, plus $1,000 if you're 55 or older.
Buy (and use) equipment before December 31
100% bonus depreciation is back for qualifying business assets, so equipment, vehicles, and computers can often be written off in full. It has to be in service by December 31 to count for 2026. Talk to me before a big purchase. It doesn't always make sense to take it all in one year.
Charitable giving has new rules
Starting in 2026, even if you take the standard deduction, you can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 if married filing jointly) in cash gifts to charity. If you itemize, only gifts above 0.5% of your income count. Keep receipts for every gift.
Finish your mileage log
The IRS raised the business rate mid-year: 72.5¢ per mile for January–June and 76¢ for July–December. A log with dates, miles, and business purpose is what makes the deduction stick.
Clean up your books and payroll
Reconcile your bank and credit card accounts, attach missing receipts, and confirm every employee's address and Social Security number before W-2s go out. Clean books in December mean a faster, cheaper return in the spring.
Thank you for trusting me with your business this year. Wishing you a cozy fall and a happy Thanksgiving with the people you love.
Willow Waldock, CPAWJ CPA PLLC · Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas
This article is general information, not tax advice for your specific situation. Please reach out before acting on anything here so we can look at your numbers together.