09/26/2026
FALL TAX PLANNING MEMO
TO: Our Valued Clients & Friends
FROM: Total Tax Service Inc.
RE: Your Fall Tax Planning Checkup
DATE: September 2026
DON'T WAIT UNTIL APRIL TO FIND OUT YOU COULD HAVE SAVED THOUSANDS
Fall is the ideal time to review your tax situation.
There are still several months left in the year to make decisions that could reduce your tax bill, increase your deductions, improve your retirement savings, and help prevent an unpleasant surprise when your tax return is prepared.
Once December 31 passes, many tax-saving opportunities disappear.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU REVIEW:
1. Your estimated 2026 tax liability
Are you on track to owe money—or receive a refund? If your income has changed significantly, your withholding or estimated payments may need to be adjusted.
2. Business income and expenses
Business owners should review year-to-date income, expenses, equipment purchases, vehicle expenses, retirement plans, and other potential deductions before year-end.
3. Equipment and major purchases
If you are considering purchasing equipment, machinery, computers, vehicles, or other business assets, timing can make a significant difference in your tax situation.
4. Retirement contributions
Review your IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, 401(k), or other retirement contributions and determine whether additional contributions could benefit you.
5. Charitable contributions
If you plan to make substantial charitable gifts, we can help you evaluate the potential tax consequences and the best way to structure your contributions.
6. Capital gains and losses
If you sold investments or are considering selling stocks, mutual funds, real estate, or other assets, now is the time to review the tax consequences.
7. Withholding and estimated taxes
A change in employment, wages, business income, retirement income, investment income, or other sources of income can dramatically change your tax liability.
8. Family and life changes
Marriage, divorce, retirement, a new child, college expenses, buying or selling a home, or starting a business can all affect your taxes.
9. Business entity and compensation planning
Business owners should review whether their current compensation, distributions, retirement contributions, and business structure still make sense.
10. Year-end tax moves
Depending on your circumstances, there may be actions you can take before December 31 that could reduce your taxable income or improve your overall tax position.
DON'T MAKE TAX DECISIONS AFTER THE YEAR IS OVER
One of the biggest mistakes taxpayers make is waiting until their tax return is being prepared to start thinking about taxes.
At that point, many opportunities are already gone.
Tax preparation looks backward.
Tax planning looks forward.
Our goal is to help you make informed decisions before December 31, while there is still time to act.
SCHEDULE YOUR FALL TAX PLANNING REVIEW
If your income, business, investments, family situation, or financial circumstances have changed this year, we strongly recommend a year-end tax planning review.
Bring us your questions, your year-to-date income information, and any major financial decisions you are considering.
We'll review your situation and identify potential tax-saving opportunities that may be available to you.
Call Total Tax Service Inc. today to schedule your Fall Tax Planning Review.
DON'T WAIT UNTIL TAX SEASON.
The best time to plan your taxes is before the year is over—not after it is too late.
Total Tax Service Inc.
519 Main Street Towanda, PA 18848
[email protected]
570-268-0989
Professional Tax Preparation • Tax Planning • Accounting Services
Tax strategies depend on your individual circumstances. Not every strategy applies to every taxpayer, and tax laws and limitations may change. A tax planning review does not guarantee a particular tax result.