Year-end planning can help surgeons identify time-sensitive decisions before December 31. Learn how to review 2026 retirement-plan contributions, charitable giving, payroll withholding, and estimated-tax obligations—while recognizing that deadlines and tax treatment depend on your plan, income, and individual circumstances.

Are your 2026 retirement-plan contributions on pace? Learn how surgeons and physicians can review 401(k) payroll deferrals, use the enhanced catch-up contribution available at ages 60 through 63, account for the 2026 Roth catch-up rule for certain higher earners, and coordinate year-end cash balance plan funding.

Year-end tax planning is most effective before December. Explore seven tax-planning areas surgeons and practice owners should review now, including 401(k) contributions, cash balance plans, tax-loss harvesting, HSAs, charitable giving, income timing, and qualifying equipment purchases.

Most surgeons start year-end tax planning too late—and leave tens of thousands of dollars on the table. This article outlines a five-month protocol for surgeon practice owners, detailing how donor-advised funds, equipment purchases under Section 179, retirement plan amendments, Roth conversions, and installment sale planning must be sequenced from July through December to maximize 2026 tax savings.