As the third quarter begins, many individuals and business owners are focused on vacations, growth initiatives, and preparing for the second half of the year. Third quarter tax planning is rarely top of mind, but it should be.
July through September is the ideal time for third quarter tax planning. With six months of financial activity behind you and several months remaining, you have enough information to identify opportunities while there’s still time to act.
Here are five tax moves that matter most during the third quarter.
1. Compare Your Year-to-Date Income to Your Tax Projections
Has your financial picture changed since the beginning of the year? Whether you’ve experienced higher business revenue, investment gains, a new job, or other changes in income, your tax projections should reflect your current reality. This comparison is the starting point for effective third quarter tax planning.
Review:
- Year-to-date income
- Business profitability
- Capital gains and investment activity
- Changes in deductions or credits
This step helps prevent surprises and gives you time to adjust your strategy before year-end.
2. Revisit Estimated Tax Payments
For taxpayers who make quarterly estimated payments, the September 15 estimated tax payment deadline is an important checkpoint. If your income has increased or decreased, your estimated payments may need to be adjusted.
Updating your estimates now can help:
- Avoid underpayment penalties
- Improve cash flow
- Better align payments with your actual tax liability
Rather than relying on projections made months ago, use current financial information to make informed decisions.
3. Review Retirement Contribution Progress
The third quarter is a great time to evaluate whether you’re on pace to meet your retirement savings goals.
Consider:
- 401(k) contributions
- SEP-IRA contributions
- SIMPLE IRA plans
- Employer retirement plan funding
If contributions are behind schedule, you still have time to increase payroll deferrals or adjust your savings strategy before year-end. Retirement planning remains one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth while potentially reducing taxable income.
4. Begin Planning for Year-End Transactions
Waiting until December to think about taxes often limits your options. This is exactly why third quarter tax planning matters: it gives you room to identify major financial decisions that could impact your tax liability, including:
- Selling investments
- Purchasing or selling real estate
- Business equipment purchases
- Succession or ownership planning
- Charitable giving
Early planning gives you greater flexibility to structure transactions in a tax-efficient manner.
5. Meet with Your Tax Advisor Before Year-End Planning Begins
One of the biggest advantages of third quarter tax planning is time. Rather than scrambling during the busy holiday season, meeting with your tax advisor now allows you to:
- Update tax projections
- Identify planning opportunities
- Discuss changes in tax laws
- Build a strategy before year-end deadlines approach
Many of the most effective tax-saving opportunities require time to implement. Starting the conversation in Q3 often leads to better outcomes than waiting until the fourth quarter.
Why Third Quarter Tax Planning Sets Up a Stronger Year-End
By the third quarter, your financial picture is much clearer than it was in January, but you still have time to influence your tax outcome. Third quarter tax planning isn’t just about estimating what you’ll owe. It’s about identifying opportunities, adjusting course when necessary, and making informed decisions before year-end deadlines arrive.
As always, every taxpayer’s situation is unique. Before making tax-related decisions, consult with a qualified tax advisor to ensure your strategy aligns with your financial goals and current tax regulations.