The biggest tax decisions of the year are made before December 31, not after it. Once the calendar flips, most of your 2026 return is locked in, and the only thing left to do is report what happened. November is the last full month when you can still change what happens.
This month we walk through why proactive planning pays off, the services L.V. Browne, CPA offers to small businesses and the year-end moves worth reviewing in the next few weeks. If something here sounds like you, we would love to help.
Why Proactive Tax Planning Pays Off
Proactive planning means making decisions with your numbers in front of you, while you still have options. Reactive tax preparation only reports history. The difference shows up in your tax bill, your cash flow, and your peace of mind.
- You still have choices. Retirement deferrals, equipment purchases, charitable gifts, and the timing of income and expenses all have to happen by December 31 to count for 2026.
- No April surprises. A fall projection tells you what you will owe, so you can set the cash aside instead of scrambling for it.
- Fewer penalties. If estimated payments fall short of what you owe, interest and underpayment penalties can follow. Checking now gives you time to adjust.
- Better decisions all year. Pricing, hiring, compensation, and entity structure all carry tax consequences. Planning puts those on the table before you commit.
- A smoother filing season. Clean books and organized records in January mean a faster, less stressful return in the spring.
How We Can Help: Our Services
Our services are built around a year-round relationship, not a once-a-year appointment. We serve small businesses across the DFW area, and every service below points to one goal: fewer surprises at tax time.
| Service | Who it is for | What you get |
| Tax Preparation Services | Small businesses | Personal, business, nonprofit, and estate tax returns, with E-file for quicker refunds |
| Small Business Taxes | Business owners and LLC owners | Schedule C, LLC, 1065, and 1120/1120S tax returns |
| Bookkeeping | Businesses and nonprofits | Organized books that are ready when tax time arrives |
| Part-Time Controller/CFO | Businesses and nonprofits that need financial leadership | Ongoing financial management, reconciliations, and regular reporting |
| Audit, Review, and Compilation | Organizations that need funder-ready statements | Financial statements prepared at the level your funders require |
| Small Business Incorporation | New business owners | Support from formation through tax strategy |
Why work with a CPA instead of doing it yourself? We keep up with the latest state and federal tax updates, we are always looking for deductions and tax breaks that fit your situation, and our team responds to your calls and emails promptly. A mistake on a do-it-yourself return can be costly, and a CPA helps you avoid it. See every service at lvbrownecpa.com.
Your Year-End Checklist
Here are the moves worth reviewing before December 31. Which ones apply depends on your situation, which is why a short conversation now beats a guess later.
Business owners
- Retirement contributions. The 2026 limit for 401(k) and 403(b) deferrals is $24,500, or $32,500 with the age 50 catch-up and $35,750 if you are 60 to 63. IRA contributions are capped at $7,500, or $8,600 with the catch-up. Payroll deferrals must happen by year-end.
- Charitable giving. Gifts must be made by December 31 to count for 2026. The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household, so check whether you will itemize or group gifts into one year.
- Estimated taxes. If you are self-employed or have income without withholding, confirm you have paid enough through the third quarter. The fourth-quarter payment is due in mid-January.
- Documents. Start gathering income and deduction records now so your return can be e-filed early for a quicker refund.
- Equipment and asset purchases. The date an asset is placed in service affects which year you claim the deduction, so review planned purchases now.
- Retirement plan contributions. Review contributions for yourself and your employees before year-end.
- Bookkeeping cleanup. Reconcile your accounts, categorize transactions, and gather contractor information so 1099s and your return are not delayed.
- Entity check. Ask whether your structure, whether sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation, still fits where your business is today.
Sources: IRS 2026 inflation adjustments and InvestmentNews on the 2026 retirement limits. This newsletter is general information, not tax advice for your situation.
Bottom Line
Tax planning works best before the deadline, and it works best with a team that handles the whole picture: tax preparation, bookkeeping, nonprofit filings, and financial leadership under one roof. The next few weeks are your window to lower what you owe and walk into 2027 with a plan instead of a surprise. The earlier in November we talk, the more options you have.
