44: Year-End Tax Planning with Charlie Sparks and Tom Pesch

As 2025 draws to a close, host Matt Klein is joined by Principals Charlie Sparks and Tom Pesch for an in-depth discussion on effective year-end tax planning strategies. Together, they unpack the latest updates from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) and what it means for individuals and business owners heading into 2026.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Updates from the OB3 Act: What’s new, what’s extended, and how it impacts 2025 planning

  • Charitable Giving Strategies:

    • Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs)

    • Donor-advised funds and charitable “bunching”

    • Donating appreciated stock for enhanced tax benefits

  • SALT Deduction Expansion: Understanding the new limits and income phaseouts

  • Business Planning Opportunities:

    • R&D expense treatment and capitalization reversals

    • Section 179 and bonus depreciation changes

    • Managing income and deductions for S-Corp and partnership owners

  • IRS and Compliance Updates:

    • How the government shutdown and IRS staffing affect filing and refunds

    • The growing use of analytics and AI in IRS enforcement

  • Practical Year-End Tips:

    • Adjusting W-2 withholding

    • Managing capital gains and mutual fund distributions

    • Retirement and education contribution reminders

    • Estate and gifting considerations

Key Takeaways:

  • The OB3 Act creates new opportunities for both individuals and businesses — but also new complexities that require careful planning.

  • Charitable giving remains one of the most flexible and effective year-end tax strategies.

  • Fall is the most valuable time to engage with your tax advisor — not April.

  • Proactive planning now can help you reduce your 2025 tax burden, manage cash flow, and avoid IRS delays in the spring.

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Note that the Q&A Over Coffee Podcast is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant. 

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