With just six weeks left in the year, time is no longer a luxury — it’s a lever.

The decisions you make before December 31 can shift your entire tax picture come April. At JRJ, we’re here and ready to help individuals and business owners finish the year strong so they can start the next one even stronger.

Here are JRJ’s six smartest year-end tax moves to make right now.

1. Boost Retirement Contributions (Your Future Will Thank You)

If you haven’t maxed out your 401(k), 403(b) or IRA contributions, now is the moment. Contributions reduce your taxable income today and build long-term wealth for tomorrow — a classic “win now, win later” strategy.

2. Accelerate Business Expenses Before December 31

Small business owners can still put Section 179 and bonus depreciation to work. Purchasing equipment, technology or vehicles now — instead of in January — may create a larger deduction for 2025.

Buy smart, save smart.

3. Review Withholdings & Estimated Payments

A quick review now can prevent an April surprise. If you’ve had changes in income, dependents or business revenue, adjusting your withholdings or estimated payments can keep you on track.

4. Harvest Losses to Offset Gains

If market volatility hit your investments this year, tax-loss harvesting may help. Selling losing investments to offset gains can reduce your tax liability and turn a rough patch into a strategic advantage.

5. Give Before Year-End (and Potentially Deduct It)

Charitable giving — whether cash, goods or appreciated stock — can lower your taxable income if you itemize. Consider “bunching” multiple years of gifts into this year if it helps you surpass the standard deduction threshold.

Generosity with strategy is generosity at its best.

6. Organize Your Records & Prep for the QBI Sunset

Use these final weeks to organize receipts, logs and documentation so tax season is smoother and more accurate.

And for business owners, remember the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction is set to expire after 2025. Understanding where you stand now helps you plan for next year — while you still can.

Your Year-End Advantage Starts with JRJ

Six weeks. Six strategies. One goal: a better tax outcome in April.

JRJ Income Tax Service can walk you through each step, run year-end projections and tailor a plan to your specific situation. Because tax season may begin in April — but tax success begins now.