Fall Tax Planning for Families: 6 Moves Before December

Once the calendar flips to December, most of your options for this tax year close quickly. October is the sweet spot — late enough to see where the year landed, early enough to act.

Your fall checklist

1. Run a withholding check — a new job, raise or side income can leave you under-withheld.
2. Bunch charitable gifts if you're close to itemizing.
3. Review workplace retirement contributions — there's still time to increase them through payroll.
4. Use up flexible spending account balances before they expire.
5. Gather records for life changes: a marriage, a new baby, a home purchase or a move.
6. Schedule a planning conversation so there are no surprises in April.