The Personal Finance Podcast 10 Tax Moves Everyone Should Review Each Year
Mar 4, 2026
Practical year-end tax moves to review, from maxing retirement accounts to timing Roth conversions. Tips on adjusting W-4 withholding and harvesting tax losses. Strategies for HSA optimization and more efficient charitable giving. Business deduction and 529 plan considerations are also covered.
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Max Out Retirement Accounts
- Max out tax-advantaged retirement accounts each year to shelter income and grow tax-free or tax-deferred.
- Examples: 401(k) $24,500 limit, solo 401(k) up to $72,000 with employer portion, Roth IRA $7,500 in 2026 and backdoor Roth if phased out.
Adjust Your W-4 Proactively
- Adjust your W-4 withholding to avoid giving the government an interest-free loan via large refunds or to increase paycheck cash flow.
- Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator and update W-4 after raises, marriage, new dependents, or side income.
Harvest Tax Losses Carefully
- Use tax loss harvesting in taxable accounts to realize losses that offset gains and up to $3,000 of ordinary income.
- Avoid triggering wash sales (30‑day rule), overtrading, and ignoring transaction costs; robo-advisors can automate it.