2026 Year End Tax Planning in Marietta at CFOATL

Your 2026 tax bill is easier to plan for while there is still time to make business decisions. For Marietta business owners, year end tax planning should start with a reliable profit estimate, a review of available deductions, and a plan to keep enough cash for taxes and operations.

The most useful question is specific. What decisions can you make before December 31 that improve your financial position after taxes? That answer depends on your business structure, accounting method, existing commitments, and personal tax situation.

Start with a current tax projection

Bring your latest financial statements to a planning meeting and explain what you expect to happen during November and December. Include major customer payments, equipment purchases, bonuses, and any business sale or ownership changes. Your accountant can then compare projected tax with payments already made.

Use that projection to choose a tax reserve you can actually fund. A strong sales month can create a cash problem if the business spends every deposit before setting money aside. Schedule a date to update the projection after your final major transactions.

Evaluate equipment purchases before you commit

Eligible business property acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025, may qualify for 100 percent federal bonus depreciation. For tax years beginning in 2026, the Section 179 deduction limit is $2,560,000, with a phaseout beginning when qualifying property placed in service exceeds $4,090,000. These provisions have different eligibility requirements and limitations.

Placed in service generally means ready and available for its intended business use. An order or deposit alone does not establish that date. Ask your accountant to compare available depreciation choices and confirm Georgia treatment separately before relying on a federal deduction.

Consider a hypothetical purchase of equipment for $10,000. If the entire cost were currently deductible and your applicable tax rate were 25 percent, the income tax reduction would be $2,500. The purchase would still cost $7,500 after that assumed benefit. This simplified example excludes other taxes and limitations. Buy equipment because the business needs it and can afford it.

Review retirement contributions while options remain

Ask whether your current retirement plan fits your profit and staffing. A SEP, SIMPLE IRA, or 401(k) can have different establishment, election, and funding deadlines. Some employer contributions may be funded after year end, while other actions require earlier attention.

Have the plan provider and tax adviser confirm your specific deadlines and employee obligations. Decide how much the business can contribute without weakening the cash needed for payroll and operating bills.