Markets handed investors hefty 2025 gains, making year-end tax maneuvers essential. Raymond James' Kim Inglis recommends portfolio reviews for loss positions to harvest capital losses and offset gains. Steer clear of superficial loss rules: wait 30 days before repurchasing identical securities. For cherished holdings, swap temporarily into sector proxies like consumer staples ETFs, then repurchase originals after the window.

For gains, defer sales into 2026 if a lower bracket beckons, smoothing cash flow. For stable brackets, spread realizations across years to moderate tax hits. Coordinate closely with accountants to optimize brackets, but never subordinate investment logic to tax savings.

Charitable giving delivers maximum efficiency: donate appreciated stock in-kind to bypass capital gains tax while claiming fair market value receipt. Move early to accommodate charity processing. Undecided on recipients? Donor-advised funds lock in this year's deduction with later grant flexibility.

In Canada, maximize Tax-Free Savings Accounts. Lifetime contribution room reaches $109,000 in January for eligible holders. Schedule withdrawals late-year for January re-contribution ease. For maxed TFSAs, gift funds to adult children with available room to perpetuate tax-free growth.

These final plays capture 2025 upside while trimming tax drag, but precise timing and coordination remain the difference-makers as deadlines loom.

Source: Video - Year-End Tax Planning Insights for Investors