Tax planning 2026: Why many people miss opportunities

For many businesses, tax planning for 2026 starts too late. Those who only consider their tax burden in December have often already missed the greatest opportunities for tax planning – because many options are only available if they are planned early.

What does tax planning mean – and why should it not start in December?

Tax planning does not mean moving a few invoices around at the last minute in December. It means timing and structuring business and private decisions so that statutory options and deadlines can be used effectively – legally and with certainty. Many of the most effective measures only work if they are planned early. Investment decisions, shareholder resolutions or notarial arrangements require time and can often no longer be implemented at short notice in the final quarter of the year.

Tax advice is more than preparing a tax return

Anyone who sees tax advice as an annual exercise focused only on preparing tax returns regularly misses valuable opportunities.

Practical example:
A company is planning to purchase new machinery.
If the decision is not made until the end of December, certain tax planning options may no longer be fully available.
If the investment is planned early together with the tax adviser, funding opportunities, the investment deduction and the financing structure can be coordinated effectively.

Typical situations such as increasing profits, a planned investment, a change of shareholders or a private event such as the birth of a child can raise different tax planning questions. Discussing such situations with a tax adviser at an early stage, rather than only reviewing the figures afterwards, can create real opportunities instead of simply documenting what has already happened. This is why ongoing tax planning throughout the year is more effective than a single meeting in December.

Typical areas for tax planning

There are many possible areas for tax planning. Some examples include:

• Investments: The investment deduction allows certain planned investments to be taken into account for tax purposes before the actual purchase.
• Profit distributions: The timing and amount of a distribution can affect the shareholders’ tax burden.
• Research allowance: Companies carrying out research and development projects may be eligible for tax incentives regardless of their profits.
• Use of losses: Using and offsetting losses across different years – and, for private individuals, for example, strategically realising losses on crypto assets – is one of many possible approaches.
• Holding structures: A suitable structure can offer tax advantages for distributions and company sales.
• Real estate: There are various tax planning options, from the timing of a purchase to renovation measures.
• Business succession: Early planning provides greater flexibility when transferring a business to the next generation or a new owner.
• Parental allowance and severance payments: Private life events can also benefit from early tax planning.

Conclusion – tax planning is not a once-a-year project

Tax planning is not something that should be dealt with just once a year. It should be considered throughout the year as part of important business and private decisions – and is most effective when addressed early.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about tax planning

What does tax planning mean?

Tax planning means timing and structuring business and private decisions so that statutory options and deadlines can be used effectively and legally – rather than looking for last-minute solutions in December.

Why should tax planning not start in December?

Many effective measures, such as investment decisions or shareholder resolutions, require sufficient time. By the final quarter of the year, it may already be too late to implement some options.

Is tax advice only relevant for preparing tax returns?

No. Situations such as increasing profits, a planned investment or a private life event can raise specific tax planning questions. These are best discussed early and throughout the year.

Which areas offer opportunities for tax planning?

Possible areas range from investments, profit distributions and research incentives to company structures, real estate, business succession and private life events. Which options are suitable always depends on the individual situation.