With your April 15 tax filing still visible in your rearview mirror, the last thing you probably want to think about is next year’s tax return. After weeks of gathering documents and tracking down deductions, it’s understandable if your thinking has shifted from tax planning to planning your summer vacation.

But summer is one of the best times to take a fresh look at your tax situation. The pressure of filing season is behind you, and you still have plenty of time before year-end deadlines start looming. Small adjustments made now can add up to considerable savings on next year’s tax bill.

A little planning during the summer months can pay dividends leading up to April 15, 2027. Whether you’re hoping to reduce your tax bill or avoid unpleasant surprises next year, we are here to help with your mid-year tax planning. That way, you can fully enjoy your summer, confident that your tax situation is well in hand.

In this post, we share several tax-planning strategies to consider as we head into summer 2026.

Review Your Tax Withholdings or Estimated Tax Payments

Taxes have a way of sneaking up on people. A raise, a side gig, a new deduction, or even a change in family circumstances can throw you off course. The result? An unwelcome surprise come spring. The first order of business is to make sure you’re sending the right amount of money to the taxing authorities throughout the year in the form of tax withholdings and/or estimated tax payments:

• Tax withholdings: Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator at to figure out the right amounts to have your employer(s) withhold (and remit) to taxing authorities on your behalf. You’ll need recent pay stubs (for you and your spouse, if you’re married), details of other income, and your most recent tax return (which can be very helpful in helping you gauge whether you’re underpaying or overpaying).
• Estimated tax payments: If you’re self-employed or have additional income from a side job or another source, you should be making quarterly estimated tax payments to both federal and state tax agencies. Start with your expected total annual income, subtract any deductions (or the standard deduction), and estimate your tax based on applicable tax brackets. Then, subtract any withholdings from your day job income. Don’t overlook Social Security income and income from other sources.

Reconsider Standard Versus Itemized Deductions

If you normally claim the standard deduction, consider itemizing. If you normally itemize, consider claiming the standard deduction. For 2026: Continue reading… Continue reading… Continue reading…