There’s a reason your accountant disappears in December, and it’s not just the holiday chaos. It’s because there is not much they can do for you by then.
Most small business owners treat tax planning like it’s a December thing. But by the time you get serious, most of the real savings have already slipped away.
Call it what you want. The IRS calls it “too little, too late.”
The Best Moves Happen Now
The smart tax moves that save you thousands? Those take time. You need room to shift income, fund retirement accounts, upgrade equipment, or adjust payroll before it’s locked in.
Wait until the year is almost over, and you’re stuck with what’s already happened.
The IRS Doesn’t Reward Procrastinators
Want to:
- Max out a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k)?
- Deduct a big purchase?
- Hire your kid to work in your business (legally)?
- Take advantage of credits that phase out?
Too late in the year? Too bad.
The IRS doesn’t accept “I was busy” as a defense. They only care what is in the books.
What Tax Strategy Actually Means
Tax strategy is not crossing your fingers in December and buying a laptop you don’t need. It’s making smart moves now that ripple through the rest of the year.
Real strategy looks like this:
- Shifting income or expenses so they hit the right tax year
- Setting or adjusting your S Corp salary before it’s too late
- Timing equipment or vehicle purchases based on tax impact, not panic
- Making retirement contributions while they still count
- Catching red flags now so they don’t blow up in March
These are the things that actually move the needle. But only if you do them while there is still time to move.
December Tax Planning Is Just Damage Control
If your first tax conversation happens in December, you’re not planning. You’re reacting.
It’s like walking into a burning building with a squirt gun. Sure, you might be able to reduce the heat. But you’re not walking out unscathed.
Let’s Fix It Before It Costs You
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being early.
You’ve got time to change the story. Not a ton. But enough.
Schedule a short call with our team. We’ll show you what’s still possible, and how to avoid the “surprise” bill that ruins your holiday season.
