A new year is the perfect time to reset. This simple checklist is designed to help you reduce financial clutter, prepare for tax season with confidence, and make smart, proactive moves early in the year, before opportunities are missed and deadlines creep up.

1. Get Organized for Tax Time

You'll want to start by gathering documents in one secure folder (digital or physical). Here are some documents to be aware of as you prepare for tax filing season.

Income

• W-2s and/or 1099s
• Social Security (SSA-1099), pension income (1099-R)
• Self-employment or side-income records
• Schedule K-1 for partnership, S corporation, or trust income/losses

Investments

• 1099-DIV / 1099-INT / 1099-B
• Year-end brokerage statements
• Crypto transaction summaries (if applicable)

Deductions & Credits

• Mortgage interest (1098)
• Property and state/local tax records
• Charitable donation receipts
• Education expenses (1098-T, student loan interest)

Health & Wellness

• Form 1095-A for Marketplace health insurance.
• Medical and dental expense records (if itemizing).
• Form 1099-SA for HSA distributions. 

Retirement & Other Savings

• Forms 5498 and 5498-SA for IRA and HSA contributions. 

Quick tip: Create a “2025 Tax” folder and add documents as they arrive to avoid last-minute stress. You should have access to the majority of your documents by mid-February.

2. Get a Jump on the New Year’s Opportunities

Early action can make a meaningful difference over time when it comes to compound interest.

• Roth IRA: Fund early to maximize tax-free growth (if eligible). Don't forget about catch up provisions if you are over 50 years old.
• Traditional IRA: Confirm deductibility
• HSA: Maximize contributions, if eligible
• 401(k)/403(b): Review contribution rates and employer match strategy

Quick tip: Set or adjust automatic contributions in January.

3. Declutter With Confidence

• Shred outdated bank statements, paid bills, and old receipts
• Retain tax returns and supporting documents
• Keep estate documents, insurance policies, and loan agreements indefinitely

Quick tip: Schedule a short “financial clean-up” and reclaim both space and peace of mind.

4. Review Beneficiaries & Key Documents

Outdated designations are one of the most common, and costly, oversights.

• Retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s)
• Life insurance policies
• Transfer-on-death and payable-on-death accounts
• Will, Trusts, Powers of attorney, and healthcare directives

Quick tip: Confirm everything reflects your current wishes.

5. Align Your Investments With the Year Ahead

• Rebalance portfolios, if needed. If you're nearing or in retirement, a quick portfolio risk review and review of your income needs and sources is essential.
• Evaluate tax-loss harvesting opportunities, if applicable.
• Align investments with upcoming near, mid, and long term anticipated expenses and goals

Quick tip: Identify adjustments early, before market or tax deadlines limit your options.

Ready to Turn This Checklist Into a Plan?

Checking boxes is helpful. Having a clear, personalized strategy is better. Whether you’re reviewing your finances for the first time or looking for a second opinion, a planning conversation can help you:

• Identify tax-saving opportunities before it’s too late
• Make sure your contributions and investments are working together
• Avoid common (and expensive) planning gaps
• Start the year with clarity

Meetings held early in the year allow for proactive planning, not reactive fixes, giving you more control, more options, and more confidence to take on the new year.

Schedule a visit to answer questions and outline next steps tailored to your situation. A conversation now can make a meaningful difference all year long and beyond!

Upcoming deadlines to be aware of:

• Jan. 15, 2026 Fourth-quarter estimated tax payment due
• Jan. 31, 2026 IRS deadline for Forms 1099-R and 1099-Q to be furnished to clients
• Feb. 17, 2026 IRS deadline for Consolidated 1099 Tax Statement to be furnished to clients (may include Forms 1999-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-MISC and/or 1099-OID)
• March 2, 2026 Federal tax-filing deadline for farmers/fishermen not making quarterly estimated tax payments
• March 16, 2026 Federal tax-filing deadline for S corporations, partnerships and LLCs taxed as an S corporation or partnership. Deadline for partnerships to issue Schedule K-1 to partners
• April 15, 2026 Federal income tax return filing and payment deadline:
  • Individuals
  • Farmers/fishermen making quarterly estimated tax payments (Note: First-quarter estimated payment is due April 15, 2026)
  • Sole proprietorships
  • Last day to make a 2025 contribution to your traditional or Roth IRA
  • First-quarter 2026 estimated federal tax payments due
• May 15, 2026 Federal filing deadline for nonprofit organizations
• May 31, 2026 IRS deadline for Form 5498 to be furnished to clients
• June 15, 2026 Second-quarter 2026 estimated tax payment due
• Sept. 15, 2026 Third-quarter 2026 estimated tax payment due
• Oct. 15, 2026 Federal tax-filing deadline for individuals who filed an extension
  

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.