Year-end tax planning: The year-end deadlines that actually matter

Tax moves that require money going into the right accounts — and many have strict December 31 deadlines.

This matters most if you have investment income, multiple accounts, or aren’t 100% sure you’re maximizing every tax-advantaged option available to you.
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Before December 31

Once December 31 passes, these contribution and conversion opportunities are gone—you can’t retroactively fix them in April.
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401(k)

Every pre-tax dollar you contribute reduces taxable income. If you have an employer match, take advantage of it!

If you don’t hit your contribution target by year-end, that unused tax advantage disappears.
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HSA

It’s triple-tax advantaged. Tax-deductible contributions. Tax-free growth. Tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses

HSAs are one of the most powerful tax tools available, but many people underfund them or skip them entirely.
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Roth conversions

Best in lower-income years or when you want to reduce future RMDs.

The decision isn’t obvious—converting too much (or too little) can create unnecessary taxes.
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By April 15 (but plan now)

Even though some contributions extend into April, the planning decisions need to happen now to avoid rushed or suboptimal choices later.

IRA contributions (Traditional, Roth, Backdoor Roth)

HSA accounts without employer contribution
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What to do today

If you only do one thing today, do this first: Personalize your Mezzi AI so the information and scenarios you see are accurate.

Many people get contribution and conversion decisions wrong because eligibility, limits, and tradeoffs change based on income, age, and account type. Mezzi personalizes this instantly.

Then, Ask Mezzi:

"IRA strategy: Roth vs Traditional"

Mezzi analyzes income, eligibility rules, and tax brackets to help you understand your options. This helps you understand the tradeoffs between different account types.

Or, “Should I do a Roth conversion”

Mezzi will help you explore the tradeoffs of a Roth conversion. These are general strategies. Mezzi helps you understand how different options are commonly evaluated, based on the information you provide.