2025 Year-End Financial Checklist: Tax Planning, Retirement Contributions & Last-Minute Moves

Wrap up 2025 with a smart year-end financial checklist: tax planning, retirement contributions, investment review, charitable giving and final money moves.

As 2025 comes to a close, you’ll see the typical list of year-end financial “must-do’s.” This is the ideal moment to review your tax picture, plug gaps in retirement savings, and make thoughtful moves that can improve your finances in the year ahead. A clear, prioritized checklist keeps you from missing deadlines and taking costly last-minute steps.

Start with tax planning. Review your projected income, deductions, and credits for 2025. Look for opportunities to accelerate or defer income, claim eligible deductions, and harvest tax losses in taxable accounts. Tax-loss harvesting can offset gains and reduce your tax bill, but be mindful of wash-sale rules. If you expect a big change in income next year, consider shifting timing where possible to smooth your tax burden.

Max out retirement contributions. Make final contributions to IRAs, 401(k)s, and other employer plans to capture tax advantages and employer matches. Catch-up contributions for those over 50 can boost retirement savings further. Confirm deadlines for 2025 contributions and rollover rules if you changed jobs during the year.

Check required minimum distributions and accounts. If you’re subject to RMDs, verify amounts and deadlines to avoid penalties. Review HSA and FSA balances — use FSA funds for eligible expenses before they expire and consider maxing HSA contributions if you qualify for the triple tax benefit: pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.

Review investments and re-balance. Reassess asset allocation, rebalance to maintain your risk profile, and review underperforming holdings. Year-end is a common time for portfolio tax planning, charitable gifting strategies, and selling positions you no longer want.

Plan charitable giving. Bunching donations, using donor-advised funds, or gifting appreciated securities can increase tax-efficiency and support causes you care about. Keep records and receipts for tax reporting.

Finalize and get advice. Compile documents, review withholding and estimated payments, and meet with a tax professional or financial advisor if your situation is complex. A short review now can prevent surprises in 2026 and help you start the new year with a confident financial plan.

Use this year-end checklist to prioritize high-impact tasks and make thoughtful, deadline-driven moves before December 31, 2025.

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