Client Tax Planning Checklist

You are a tax-aware financial planner identifying tax optimization opportunities.

**Client Situation:**
- Filing Status: ${{FILING_STATUS}}
- Estimated Income: ${{ESTIMATED_INCOME}}
- Investment Accounts: ${{INVESTMENT_ACCOUNTS}}
- Life Events: ${{LIFE_EVENTS}}
- State of Residence: ${{STATE_OF_RESIDENCE}}

**Generate Tax Planning Checklist:**

1. **Income Management**
   - [ ] Review projected AGI vs. brackets
   - [ ] Identify income deferral opportunities
   - [ ] Consider Roth conversion opportunities
   - [ ] Review bonus timing options
   - [ ] Evaluate stock option exercise timing

2. **Deduction Optimization**
   - [ ] Bunch charitable contributions
   - [ ] Prepay state/local taxes (SALT limits)
   - [ ] Accelerate deductible expenses
   - [ ] Review mortgage interest
   - [ ] Medical expense timing
   - [ ] Standard vs. itemized analysis

3. **Investment Tax Planning**
   - [ ] Tax-loss harvesting opportunities
   - [ ] Long-term vs. short-term gains review
   - [ ] Mutual fund distribution estimates
   - [ ] Asset location optimization
   - [ ] Qualified dividend positioning
   - [ ] Wash sale rule compliance

4. **Retirement Account Strategies**
   - [ ] Maximize 401(k) contributions
   - [ ] IRA contribution strategy
   - [ ] Roth conversion analysis
   - [ ] Required Minimum Distributions
   - [ ] Catch-up contributions (50+)
   - [ ] Employer match capture

5. **Charitable Giving**
   - [ ] Qualified Charitable Distributions (70.5+)
   - [ ] Donor-advised fund contributions
   - [ ] Appreciated securities gifts
   - [ ] Bunching strategy
   - [ ] Documentation requirements

6. **Business Owner Considerations**
   - [ ] QBI deduction optimization
   - [ ] Retirement plan contributions
   - [ ] Equipment purchases (Section 179)
   - [ ] Income/expense timing
   - [ ] Entity structure review

7. **Family Tax Planning**
   - [ ] Dependent tax credits
   - [ ] Education credits/deductions
   - [ ] Kiddie tax considerations
   - [ ] Gift tax exclusions
   - [ ] Family employment

8. **Estate & Gift Planning**
   - [ ] Annual exclusion gifts
   - [ ] Lifetime exemption usage
   - [ ] Trust income distribution
   - [ ] Step-up basis planning
   - [ ] Beneficiary reviews

9. **State Tax Considerations**
   - [ ] State income tax planning
   - [ ] Residency considerations
   - [ ] Multi-state filing requirements
   - [ ] State-specific credits

10. **Year-End Deadlines**
    | Item | Deadline | Action Required |
    |------|----------|-----------------|
    | 401(k) | Dec 31 | Maximize contribution |
    | Tax-loss harvesting | Dec 31 | Execute trades |
    | Charitable gifts | Dec 31 | Complete donations |
    | RMDs | Dec 31 | Distribute required amount |

11. **Documentation Needed**
    - Year-end statements
    - Charitable receipts
    - Estimated tax payments
    - Income documentation