Key Dates & Tips for 2026 Tax Planning

Written by Anthony Grower | Jan 20, 2026 7:31:45 PM

Tax Refunds Are Going Digital

Starting in 2026, the IRS will stop mailing paper refund checks and move to electronic payments. This change is designed to make refunds faster and more secure. If you haven’t set up direct deposit yet, now’s a good time to do it. For more details, visit irs.gov.

With the start of a new year and tax season approaching, here are key dates and planning tips to help you stay organized and make the most of your financial opportunities.

Your 2025 tax return is due on Wednesday, April 15, unless you file an extension.
If you took a retirement account distribution in 2025, expect to receive a Form 1099-R by late January.
By late February, you’ll receive a Form 1099 document for taxable accounts. This form shows earned dividends and interest income and comes from your account custodian.
You have until April 15 to contribute to your IRA (deductible and non-deductible), Roth IRA, and HSA for the 2025 tax year.
Filers over 50 years old are eligible for catch-up contributions for 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), traditional and Roth IRAs, as well as SIMPLE IRAs.
Making quarterly estimated tax payments? Mark your 2026 calendar with the following due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15, 2027.
For 2026, the standard deduction has increased to $16,100 for single filers; $32,200 for married filing jointly; and $24,150 for head of household filers.
If your employer updated compensation for the new year, check your elective deferrals to make sure you’re maximizing savings opportunities.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in 2025, brings several tax changes for 2026 and beyond, and some that may impact your 2025 return.

For more, read our article: Your Guide to 2026 Tax Changes

Here’s How We Can Help

Once you have filed your taxes, consider sending your tax return to your advisor. Sharing your tax return allows us to spot issues, suggest planning opportunities, and most effectively manage your taxable investment portfolios. If you prefer, we can also coordinate with your CPA or tax preparer on your behalf.

2026 Contribution Limits for Retirement Accounts

401(k), 403(b), 457(b) Elective Deferrals	$24,500
Catch-up Contributions Limit (age 50-59, & 64+)	$8,000
Super Catch-up Contribution (ages 60-63)	$11,250
Traditional & Roth IRA Limits	$7,500
Catch-up Contribution Limit (age 50+)	$1,100
*SIMPLE IRA Employee Deferrals	$17,000
Catch-up Contributions Limit (age 50-59, & 64+)	$4,000
Super Catch-up Contribution (ages 60-63)	$5,250
Health Savings Account (Single)	$4,400
Health Savings Account (Family)	$8,750
Catch-up Contribution Limit (age 55+)	$1,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Contribution Limit	$72,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Limit	$290,000
Annual Compensation Limit for Retirement Contributions	$360,000
Highly Compensated Employee Threshold	$160,000
Social Security Wage Base	$184,500

*If you are unsure what deferral amounts are right for you, your advisor is happy to help.

This article was featured in the Winter 2026 edition of the Rising Dividend Report.

Read more articles from this issue here.

This has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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