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Weekly Commentary

Wealth Planning Commentary – October 6, 2025

Year-End Wealth Planning Guide (2025–2026)

As we approach the end of 2025, we would like to bring to your attention several important year-end planning considerations and deadlines. The following sections outline key strategies and timelines related to retirement accounts, gifting, and tax filing considerations.

Planning Considerations for the End of the Year

1. Tax Brackets, SALT, and Income Management

  • SALT cap remains in place; the SALT cap is increased to $40k but is phased down once MAGI exceeds between $500k-$600k, and fully phased down to $10k for >$600k.
  • Strategies to reduce MAGI:
    • Maximize tax-deferred retirement contributions.
    • Defer exercising non-qualified stock options.
    • Take capital losses, avoid taking gains.
    • Consider Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) if age 70.5+.
    • Avoid Roth conversions if they push income into a higher phaseout zone.

2. Charitable Planning

  • Starting January 2026: For taxpayers in the top tax bracket (37%), the tax benefit of itemized deductions, including charitable contributions, will be capped so that they effectively receive a 35 % deduction. A new floor of 0.5 % of adjusted gross income (AGI) will apply to itemized charitable deductions.
    • Consider front-loading/bunching donations in 2025.
  • Starting January 2026: Non-itemized filers can receive above-the-line deduction for cash gifts to qualifying public charities: $1,000 for single filers, $2,000 for MFJ.
  • Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs):
    • Submit contributions & grant recommendations by early November 2025 to help ensure year-end processing.

3. Retirement Accounts

  • October 1, 2025: Deadline for employers to establish a SIMPLE IRA.
  • October 15, 2025: Final date for 2024 SEP-IRA contributions if an extension was filed.
  • December 31, 2025:
    • Roth conversions must be completed.
    • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) deadline.
    • Final date to contribute 401(k) elective deferrals capped at $23,500 (2025), $7,500 for those older than 50. For those who are 60-63, super catch-up is available for $11,250.
    • Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) due, including IRAs inherited after 2020 by a non-spouse, where the decedent was taking RMDs.
  • April 15, 2026: IRA & HSA contribution deadline for 2025.
  • October 15, 2026: SEP-IRA contribution deadline for 2025 (with extension).
  • December 2026: Catch-up contribution to Roth if high earner.

4. Gifting & Estate Planning

  • Annual gift exclusion for 2025: $19,000 per individual / $38,000 per married couple.
    • Ensure gifts clear before December 31 (e.g., checks must be cashed).

5. Opportunity Zones (OZ)

  • OZ Funds tax benefits remain available in 2025.
  • By December 31, 2026: Previously deferred OZ gains become taxable (2026 return).
  • New OZ rules apply to investments made on/after January 1, 2027, under the updated program.

Key Retirement Deadlines

  • October 1, 2025: Deadline for employers to establish a SIMPLE IRA.
  • October 15, 2025: SEP-IRA deadline.
  • December 31, 2025: Roth conversion, QCD deadline, 401(k) contributions, RMDs.
  • April 15, 2026: IRA/HSA contributions for 2025.
  • October 15, 2026: SEP-IRA contribution deadline for 2025 (with extension).

Gifting Deadlines

  • November 2025: Make DAF contributions/grants and 529 contributions.
  • December 31, 2025: Gifts must clear before year-end, and ensure the check is cashed.
  • January 2026: Charitable donations, 0.5% AGI floor for deductions, and 2% reduction of deductions for taxpayers in the highest tax bracket.

Tax Document and Action Timeline (for 2025 Filing)

  • December 31, 2026: Previously deferred gains from OZ are taxable for the 2026 return. Check how these expiring tax credits can fit into your comprehensive wealth plan.
  • Dec 2025: Review capital gains and losses to reduce taxes. Draft gain/loss reports.
  • Jan 2026: Final estimated tax payment for 2025 due.
  • Jan–Feb 2026: Form 5498s mailed for IRAs.
  • Feb 2026: Form 8283 for 2025 DAF contributions.
  • Spring–Fall 2026: Receive K-1s from private funds.
  • October 15, 2026: Extended filing deadline for Individual 2025 return.

Disclosure and Source

Investment advisory services offered through Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, LLC (“Robertson Stephens”), an SEC-registered investment advisor. Registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission. This material is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice. It does not constitute a recommendation or offer to buy or sell any security, has not been tailored to the needs of any specific investor, and should not provide the basis for any investment decision. Please consult with your Advisor prior to making any Investment decisions. The information contained herein was carefully compiled from sources believed to be reliable, but Robertson Stephens cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Information, views and opinions are current as of the date of this presentation, are based on the information available at the time, and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. Robertson Stephens assumes no duty to update this information. Unless otherwise noted, any individual opinions presented are those of the author and not necessarily those of Robertson Stephens. Indices are unmanaged and reflect the reinvestment of all income or dividends but do not reflect the deduction of any fees or expenses which would reduce returns. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Forward-looking performance targets or estimates are not guaranteed and may not be achieved. Investing entails risks, including possible loss of principal. Alternative investments are only available to qualified investors and are not suitable for all investors. Alternative investments include risks such as illiquidity, long time horizons, reduced transparency, and significant loss of principal. This material is an investment advisory publication intended for investment advisory clients and prospective clients only. Robertson Stephens only transacts business in states in which it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration. A copy of Robertson Stephens’ current written disclosure brochure filed with the SEC which discusses, among other things, Robertson Stephens’ business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC’s website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. © 2025 Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, LLC. All rights reserved. Robertson Stephens is a registered trademark of Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, LLC in the United States and elsewhere.  A2652

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