Don’t Miss These 2025 Year-End Deadlines for Your Investments
11/03/25
As the year winds down, it is easy to kick back and put finances on autopilot. But a few smart moves before you file your taxes can make a difference in your 2025 tax bill and set you up for a stronger start in 2026.
Here are the key investment, retirement, and savings deadlines for the 2025 tax year.
1. Retirement Contributions (Various Deadlines – See Below)
401(k) and 403(b): Up to $23,000, plus a $7,500 catch-up if you’re 50 or older (12/31/25)
SIMPLE IRA: Up to $16,000, plus a $3,500 catch-up (12/31/25)
SEP IRA: The lesser of 25% of your compensation of $69,000 (04/15/26)
Solo 401(k): Up to $23,000, plus a $7,500 catch-up if you’re 50 or older (03/15/26 for S Corps and 04/15/26 for sole proprietors)
2. Health Savings Account (HSA) (Deadline - 04/15/26)
If you’re covered by a high-deductible health plan, your HSA offers a triple tax benefit: pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.
For 2025, contribution limits are:
$4,300 for self-only coverage
$8,550 for family coverage
+ $1,000 catch-up if you’re 55 or older
3. Roth Conversion (Deadline - 12/31/25)
A Roth conversion allows you to move money from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA, paying taxes now so your future growth and withdrawals can be tax-free.
This can be a smart strategy if:
Your income is lower in 2025
You expect higher tax rates down the road.
4. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) (Deadline - 12/31/25)
If you’re age 73 or older, you must withdraw your RMD from traditional IRAs and most employer retirement plans. Missing this deadline can trigger a 25% penalty on the amount not withdrawn. If this is your first year taking your RMD, you have until 04/15/26.
5. Use Tax-Loss Harvesting to Offset Gains (Deadline - 12/31/25)
Selling investments at a loss can help offset realized capital gains and reduce your tax bill.
- Take note of the wash-sale rule. This means you can’t buy the same or a “substantially identical” investment within 30 days before or after the sale to be able to claim the loss.
6. Make Charitable Gifts or Donor-Advised Fund Contributions (Deadline - 12/31/25)
Donations can count toward your 2025 deductions if you itemize. Contributing to a Donor Advised Fund can help with your tax bill even if you aren’t sure where to donate the funds yet.
7. Review Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Deadline – 12/31/25)
Most FSA plans follow a “use it or lose it” rule by year-end, though some allow a small carryover or grace period. Check your balance now and spend remaining funds on eligible expenses like glasses, dental work, or over-the-counter medications before the deadline.
8. Plan Ahead for Estimated Taxes
If you make quarterly estimated tax payments, the fourth-quarter deadline is January 15, 2026. Reviewing your income now can help you avoid surprises in April and keep cash flow smooth through year-end.
Finish 2025 Strong
The final weeks of the year are a great time to take inventory, not just of your investments, but of your overall financial plan. A quick review now can uncover opportunities to reduce taxes, increase savings, and start 2026 with confidence.
If you’re unsure which strategies make the most sense for your situation, I am here to help you finish the year strong and move into 2026 with a clear plan.
*Do not use this as advice about your specific situation. Please contact me to talk about your specific situation. You are never charged for meetings or advice.