Your year-end owner decisions, sorted on one page
A free checklist for business and practice owners that separates what needs attention before December 31 from what can wait for the return.
Payroll changes, retirement deferrals and equipment purchases generally need to happen inside the calendar year to count for 2026. Some retirement plan decisions and IRA contributions can wait for the return. The Owner’s December 31 Checklist puts both lists in one place, so each decision gets made with time to think.
What the checklist helps you do
Start from a current projection that includes the business and the household.
Mark the payroll, deferral and purchase decisions that are due by December 31.
Note the plan and IRA decisions that can often wait for the return.
List the questions to bring to your CPA and advisor, and who owns each decision.
The checklist is two pages, and you can fill it in on screen or print it.
Get the Owner’s December 31 Checklist
Your checklist is ready to download as soon as you submit, and we may send occasional notes from Affinity Wealth Management. You can unsubscribe at any time.
This information is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not, in any way, to be considered investment, tax or legal advice, nor a recommendation of any investment product or strategy. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and current law. Consult your tax and legal professionals before acting. Affinity Wealth Management LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor located in the State of Delaware. Form ADV and Form CRS are available at adviserinfo.sec.gov or by request. Disclosures
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Changes to owner pay, bonuses and salary deferrals have to run through payroll before the final pay date. Deductions for equipment and property generally depend on when the asset is placed in service. Your CPA can confirm which items apply to your business.
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A new employer-funded plan, such as a profit-sharing plan, can generally be adopted by the business’s tax filing deadline, including extensions. Individual IRA contributions for 2026 can be made until the April 2027 filing deadline.
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Yes. It was written for business and practice owners, including medical and dental practices. Professional practices are treated as specified service businesses for the qualified business income deduction, so the checklist includes a question about that for your CPA.
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No. The checklist is an educational worksheet. Tax treatment depends on your circumstances and current law, so review your plans with your tax and legal professionals before acting.
Questions and answers
Would you rather talk it through?
Book a Connect Meeting, a 60-minute conversation with an Affinity advisor.