Five year-end moves
small-business owners should review

A practical conversation guide for deductions, retirement contributions, estimated payments, and cash flow before December 31.

Published November 12, 2026  ·  8 min read
Small-business owner planning at her desk

Year-end planning works best when you start early enough to act. These five conversations can help you identify opportunities before the calendar closes.

1. Revisit income and expenses before December 31

Understanding where your business stands today helps you make informed decisions in the weeks ahead. Review your year-to-date profit and loss, expected December income, and any large expenses you can plan or defer.

Look for timing questions that affect both tax and cash flow. Your advisor can help you separate practical planning from decisions that only move a problem into January.

2. Review retirement contribution options

Retirement contributions may support long-term goals while changing taxable income. Available options and deadlines depend on your business structure and plan.