IRS Tax Deadlines and Requirements Every Taxpayer Should Know Before Year-End

As the year comes to a close, many individuals and businesses begin preparing for the upcoming tax season. Several important IRS deadlines fall near December, and understanding these requirements helps taxpayers stay compliant, avoid penalties, and enter the new year with clarity. At Alpine Tax Resolution, our goal is to make this information easy to understand and stress-free to navigate.

Key IRS Deadlines Near the End of the Year

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Taxpayers age 73 or older who are subject to Required Minimum Distributions must complete their withdrawal by December 31. Missing this deadline may result in significant IRS penalties.

Charitable Contributions

For taxpayers planning to itemize deductions, charitable contributions must be completed by December 31 to count toward the current tax year. This includes both monetary donations and eligible non-cash contributions.

Estimated Tax Planning

While the final quarterly estimated tax payment typically falls in January, year-end is an ideal time for self-employed individuals and small business owners to review estimated tax payments and prepare for the upcoming cycle.

Year-End Bookkeeping and Organization

Small businesses and individuals who are self-employed benefit from reviewing financial records before the new year. Organized books help ensure accurate tax filings and reduce the risk of errors, delays, or unnecessary tax liabilities.

Addressing Unfiled Tax Returns

If you have unfiled tax returns from previous years, December is a strategic time to begin catching up. Filing past-due returns ahead of the new season helps reduce administrative pressure and may provide access to more resolution options.

Benefits of Preparing Before the New Filing Season

Preparing early offers several advantages, including:

More time to gather documents and correct mistakes
A wider range of resolution or payment options
A clearer financial picture going into the new year
Reduced stress during peak filing periods

Taxpayers who take early action often avoid the complications that come with last-minute filings or delayed responses to IRS communications.

Common Challenges Taxpayers Face at Year-End

Delaying IRS Notice Responses

IRS notices often feel overwhelming, but postponing a response can make the situation more complicated. Understanding what a notice means is the first step; taking timely action is the next. Alpine helps taxpayers interpret notices and understand the correct steps to take.

Confusion Around Retirement and Investment Requirements

RMD guidelines can be confusing, especially for individuals managing multiple retirement accounts. Clear guidance helps ensure taxpayers avoid preventable penalties related to missed distributions.

Disorganized Financial Records

Rushed organization can lead to errors or overlooked deductions. Alpine assists taxpayers and small businesses with bookkeeping cleanup to ensure accurate filings.

How to Prepare Before the End of the Year

Review any IRS letters or notices you’ve received.
Confirm whether an RMD is required based on your retirement accounts.
Complete charitable contributions if you plan to itemize deductions.
Update your bookkeeping or request professional cleanup assistance.
Begin filing any past-due tax returns before the next cycle begins.
Consider professional help if you are unsure about your tax situation.

How Alpine Tax Resolution Can Support You

Alpine Tax Resolution provides specialized support for taxpayers facing federal or state tax challenges. Our team assists with unfiled returns, transcript analysis, bookkeeping cleanup, and IRS notice review, offering clear guidance rooted in experience and transparency. We are here to make the process understandable and manageable, not stressful.