The start of a new year brings many welcome changes—one of them being the start of tax season. But just because the calendar now reads 2026 doesn’t mean your opportunities to shape your 2025 financial picture are over. Before you write or receive that check from the government, here are a few important reminders to help prepare for a smooth and stress-free tax season.
1. Know Your Filing Deadlines
- The deadline to file your 2025 tax return (or request an extension) is April 15, 2026.
- If you work with a tax professional, be sure to meet their internal deadlines so they have enough time to process your return.
2. Gather All Required Documents
Make sure you have the appropriate tax forms and financial records, including:
- W-2s and 1099s
- Retirement account distribution forms (1099-R)
- Social Security benefit statements
- Mortgage interest statements (1098)
- Charitable donation receipts
- Investment gain/loss statements and cost-basis reports
- Health insurance forms (1095-A)
- Business or self-employment records, if applicable
Having everything organized ahead of time can prevent filing delays later.
3. Review Retirement Contributions & Conversions
Connect with your financial advisor to confirm:
- 2025 IRA contributions
- Roth conversions
- Any new accounts, rollovers, or major life changes that may affect your tax situation
These small refinements can meaningfully impact your long-term financial picture.
4. Look Into Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies
Be sure to provide your preparer with:
- Tax-loss harvesting documentation
- Realized capital gains and losses
This is also a good time to discuss potential tax-efficient reallocations with your advisor to help optimize your investment strategy going forward.
5. Double-Check the Details
Accuracy matters—the dollar amounts are not the only numbers that sometimes get missed. Take time to verify:
- Social Security numbers
- Current mailing address
- Bank account information for refunds or direct withdrawals
Sometimes simple typos can cause processing delays.
6. Practice Safe Cybersecurity
Tax season is prime time for scams. Be on guard. Protect yourself by:
- Watching for suspicious emails or calls claiming to be from the IRS (they don’t call you without sending an official letter first).
- Uploading sensitive documents only through secure, encrypted portals
- Avoiding clicking on email attachments or links from unknown senders
7. Lay the Groundwork for Next Year
As you move through this year’s tax preparation, think ahead:
- Consider adjusting your automatic savings or withholding amounts
- Organize a working tax document folder for 2026
- Schedule periodic check-ins with your advisor to ensure you’re on track long before next April arrives
A proactive approach now leads to a smoother tax season later.
We’re Here to Help
While Harvest Point® does not provide tax or legal advice, we do provide tax-conscious financial planning. We can also assist you in locating necessary tax and financial documents, upon request. Approaching tax season with thoughtful preparation can make a meaningful difference in your experience—saving time, stress, and potential errors.
If you’re seeking guidance for your financial journey, we would love to connect. Fill out our Discovery Form to schedule a 30-minute introductory call. Together, we can explore your goals, values, and legacy to determine whether Harvest Point® is the right partner for you.
Join us for our upcoming webinar covering important reminders, deadlines, and updates for the upcoming tax cycle! Register today by clicking here. There will also be a Q&A at the end of the webinar where we will have some time to answer your questions! Please send any questions you may have to info@harvestpointwm.com.
Any opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers. This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Harvest Point® Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.