What can you still do before December 31?

Most tax decisions that change your bill have to be made before year-end — not in April. Enter your 2026 numbers and see the exact dollar value of each move still available: retirement contributions, equipment purchases, California PTET, and deductions you might be leaving unclaimed.

2026 estimates · Not tax advice

Entity

Filing status

State

Age

Projected 2026 net profit$200,000

$30k$800k

W-2 salary$90,000

$20k$184,500

Retirement contributed so far$0

$0$47,000 max

Equipment / software before Dec 31

Section 179 / bonus depreciation — 0 if nothing planned

Total tax savings available before Dec 31

$10,340

At your 22% federal marginal rate · 2026 estimates

Retirement plan

Room available

$10,340

You have $47,000 of remaining contribution room in your Solo 401(k). Contribute before Dec 31 to claim the deduction this year. If you don’t have a plan yet, it must be established by December 31.

Max: $47,000·Contributed: $0·Left: $47,000

Full retirement calculator →

Equipment & software (§179)

$2,200 per $10k

Section 179 lets you deduct 100% of qualifying business equipment and software in the year of purchase. Must be placed in service by December 31. Enter a planned amount above to see your exact savings.

Computers, monitors, phones, office furniture, machinery, vehicles (limits apply), software.

Accountable plan & deductions

Review this

$1,000–$5,000+

An accountable plan lets your S-corp reimburse you tax-free for home office, business vehicle use, phone, and travel. Without a written plan, these expenses can’t be run through the corporation. This can’t be calculated here — it depends on your actual usage — but it’s typically $1,000–$5,000+ per year for most owners.

How accountable plans work →

2026 IRS limits (IRS Notice 2025-67 / Rev. Proc. 2025-32 / OBBBA). Solo 401(k): $24,500 employee deferral + $8,000 catch-up (age 50+); employer contribution 25% of W-2 (S-corp) or 20% of net SE income (sole prop); total cap $72,000 / $80,000. SEP-IRA max $72,000. Section 179 limit $2,560,000; 100% bonus depreciation permanent per OBBBA (Pub. L. 119-21). California PTET benefit estimated at 9.3% effective CA rate — actual depends on income bracket. Marginal rate computed from projected income using standard deduction only. Sole prop equipment savings include approximate SE tax benefit (~7%). Accountable plan estimates are illustrative only. Not tax advice — consult a CPA before acting.