Your 2026 Tax Planning Checklist Starts Now - Plus 5 Moves to Make Before April 15

In this episode of The Wise Money Show™, financial advisors Kevin Corhorn, Mike Bernard, and Josh Gregory break down essential tax planning strategies for 2026, emphasizing proactive preparation before the April 15 deadline. The hosts highlight five key end-of-season moves to improve your 2025 tax return: maximizing Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions, making traditional or Roth IRA contributions, funding a SEP IRA, contributing to a Solo 401(k), and funding an Indiana 529 plan up to April 15. They stress the importance of timing, especially for those who missed earlier opportunities, and caution against common pitfalls like failing to designate contributions for the correct tax year. The episode also explores major tax trends for 2026, including the IRS’s push toward paperless filings, the growing complexity of tax law changes, and the impact of phase-outs on deductions and credits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Senior Deduction. The hosts urge listeners to engage with their certified financial planners early to optimize income, adjust retirement contributions, and strategically plan Roth conversions before income thresholds trigger tax penalties. A major takeaway is that tax planning is not just about filing returns—it’s about aligning all financial decisions across retirement, education, giving, and income to minimize future tax burdens. The episode concludes with actionable insights: start planning now for 2026 by reviewing income thresholds, adjusting 401(k) contributions, and leveraging new charitable deduction rules. The hosts emphasize that tax efficiency is a year-round discipline, not a last-minute scramble. They also highlight the growing trend of people filing later due to complexity, but warn that proactive planning leads to better outcomes than chasing refunds. With the IRS moving toward digital-only payments and refunds, the show encourages listeners to adopt paperless systems while staying vigilant about cybersecurity. Ultimately, the message is clear: the most effective tax strategy is integrated financial planning that considers all six areas of your financial life in sync.