---
title: Year-end tax planning session | Ashcombe & Reed, CPAs
description: Book a free 30-minute planning call in November. A partner reviews retirement contributions, purchases, estimates and entity choices before December 31.
---
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Year-end tax planning · November only
# Thirty minutes in November. *Less tax in April.*
Most of what lowers your 2026 bill has to happen before December 31. Book a free planning call and a partner tells you which moves are worth making.
★★★★★**4.9** from 212 Google reviews
## Book your planning call
Free, 30 minutes, by video. A partner replies within one business day.
The tax year closes
Until December 31
Retirement contributions, equipment purchases and gifts only count for 2026 if they happen before the year ends.
0days 00hours 00minutes 00seconds
The 2026 tax year has closed. Planning for 2027 starts now.
ClosesDec 31, 2026
## What we review in thirty minutes
Your partner reads last year's return before the call, so the half hour goes on decisions, not paperwork.
- Retirement contributionsWhether a 401(k), SEP or solo 401(k) top-up lowers this year's bill.
- Equipment and vehicle purchasesWhat to buy before December 31, and what can wait.
- Timing income and expensesInvoices to send in January, bills to pay in December.
- Your fourth-quarter estimateThe January 15 payment, sized so April holds no surprise.
- Your entity and owner payWhether an S-corp election or a salary change saves more than it costs.
- Gifts and charitable givingBunching donations and gifting stock before the year closes.
## How the call works
From booking to a written to-do list in about a week.
1. **1**
### Book a time
Pick a slot in November. Calls run Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
2. **2**
### Send two things
Last year's return and a profit and loss for this year so far.
3. **3**
### Thirty minutes with a partner
By video. We go through the six areas above.
4. **4**
### A written to-do list
What to do before December 31, with a dollar figure on each move.
Before the call
## Your fourth-quarter estimate
Enter this year's figures to see what is still to pay. Your partner checks it on the call.
Net business profit this year
$
Revenue minus expenses, before your own draws.
Other income
$
Wages, interest, a spouse’s pay on a joint return.
Filing status
SingleMarried filing jointlyMarried filing separatelyHead of household
Tax already withheld or paid
$
Withholding from wages plus estimates paid so far.
Pay each quarter
Estimated tax for the year
Taxable income
Self-employment tax
Federal income tax
Already withheld or paid
Still to pay
Payment dates
- Apr 15, 20261st payment
- Jun 15, 20262nd payment
- Sep 15, 20263rd payment
- Jan 15, 20274th payment
[Book your planning call](https://www.nopethemes.com/tickmark/year-end-planning#main-content)
An estimate for planning, not tax advice. It leaves out credits, the QBI deduction, state tax and anything else particular to you. Your partner works out the real figure with you.
★★★★★
> “One November call moved a truck purchase into December and set up a SEP. It cut our 2025 bill by $18,400.”
Marcus Hayes
Hayes Building Co., Queens · client since 2021
## Questions clients ask
Is the call really free?
Yes. Thirty minutes with a partner, no card and no obligation. Clients on a fixed-fee plan get it as part of their engagement.
I'm not a client. Can I still book?
Yes. Send last year's return before the call and we plan from that. Many of our clients started with this call.
What if I book in December?
We hold calls until December 18, so there is still time to act. After that, most moves for 2026 are hard to make in time.
Do you cover state taxes too?
Yes. New York and New Jersey, and most other states where you file.
## December 31 comes once a year.
Thirty minutes now decides what you owe in April.
[Book your planning call](https://www.nopethemes.com/tickmark/year-end-planning#main-content)
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© 2026 Ashcombe & Reed, CPAs. General information only.
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