Some tax moves for 2026 must happen by December 31, 2026; others can wait until the return is due on April 15, 2027. This checklist lists the official 2026 limits and dates in one place, each with its IRS source. Facts checked October 29, 2026. General information only, not tax advice: whether a step makes sense for you depends on your situation.
By December 31, 2026
- Workplace retirement plan: 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans and the Thrift Savings Plan contributions must come out of 2026 pay. The 2026 limit is $24,500, plus $8,000 from age 50, or $11,250 if you are 60 to 63 (IRS). Changes to your percentage can take a pay period or two to start. To see how much each remaining paycheck needs, use the max-out calculator; next year's limits are on 2027 contribution limits.
- Required minimum distributions (RMDs): if you are 73 or older, take your 2026 RMD by December 31. Your first RMD can wait until April 1 of the year after you turn 73, but then two fall in the same year (IRS RMD FAQs).
- Health FSA: the 2026 limit is $3,400. If your plan allows a carryover, at most $680 of unused money can move to 2027; some plans have a grace period instead, and some neither. Ask your employer which rule applies (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32).
- Charitable gifts — new rules for 2026: if you take the standard deduction, you can now deduct up to $1,000 of cash gifts to eligible charities ($2,000 married filing jointly). If you itemize, only the part of your gifts above 0.5% of your adjusted gross income counts. Gifts of property, gifts to donor-advised funds and gifts to people do not qualify for the non-itemizer deduction. Keep receipts or bank records (IRS Topic 506).
- Gifts to family and friends: in 2026 you can give up to $19,000 to each person without filing a gift tax return (IRS).
- Investment gains and losses: losses on investments you sell offset your gains, and up to $3,000 of extra loss a year ($1,500 married filing separately) can offset other income; the rest carries forward (IRS Topic 409).
- Check your withholding: if you had a big refund or a bill last year, or your income changed, the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator helps you set a new Form W-4 for the last paychecks of the year.
By January 15, 2027
- Fourth estimated tax payment for 2026, if you are self-employed or have income without withholding (IRS). See our estimated tax guide.
By April 15, 2027
- IRA: 2026 contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA can be made until the filing deadline: up to $7,500, plus $1,100 from age 50 (IRS).
- HSA: 2026 contributions can also be made until the deadline: $4,400 self-only, $8,750 family, plus $1,000 from age 55 (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-19).
- File or extend: the 2026 return is due April 15, 2027. An extension gives more time to file, not to pay.
Gather records for the new deductions
Tax year 2026 is the second year of four new federal deductions (2025 through 2028): qualified tips (up to $25,000), qualified overtime (up to $12,500, or $25,000 joint), an extra $6,000 for each person 65 or older, and interest on a loan for a new car (up to $10,000), each shrinking at higher incomes (IRS Schedule 1-A). Keep pay stubs that show tips and overtime and your car loan interest statement. Estimate yours with the new tax deductions calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last day to contribute to a 401(k) for 2026?
December 31, 2026, because the money must come out of 2026 pay. IRA and HSA contributions for 2026 can be made until April 15, 2027.
Can I deduct charity if I take the standard deduction?
Yes, starting with 2026: up to $1,000 of cash gifts to eligible charities, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.
How much can I give someone in 2026 without a gift tax return?
Up to $19,000 per person. Larger gifts usually need a gift tax return, but gift tax is owed only after your lifetime exemption ($15 million in 2026) is used up.
What happens if I miss my RMD?
The IRS charges an excise tax on the amount not taken, which can be reduced if you correct it in time. See the IRS RMD FAQs and the RMD calculator.