2025 Year-End Tax Planning Guide: Review Your Stock Portfolio for Tax Efficiency

Written by Coach Janelle CPA on December 24, 2025

Year-end is an ideal time to review and adjust your investments.

Offset Gains with Losses

Match short-term gains (taxed as high as 40.8%) with long-term losses.

Avoid Wash-Sale Traps

Selling and repurchasing the same stock within 30 days cancels your loss. Wait until January to rebuy if you plan to claim the loss in 2025.

Share Wealth within the Family

Gifting appreciated stock to children or parents in lower tax brackets lets them sell at 0%–15% capital gains rates, freeing up after-tax cash for the family as a whole.

Donate Appreciated Stock to Charity

Instead of cash, donate appreciated shares. If you itemize your deductions, you’ll receive a deduction for the fair market value and avoid paying capital gains on the appreciation.

Sell Losers, Then Give Cash

If a stock has lost value, sell it to recognize the loss, then donate the cash proceeds. This way, you claim both the loss and the charitable deduction.

Year-end is the perfect moment to take a step back and look at your stock portfolio through a tax-smart lens. Strategic moves—like offsetting gains with losses, gifting to family, or donating appreciated shares—can reduce your 2025 tax bill and set you up for a stronger financial start in 2026. Having expert guidance can help you make these decisions confidently, so your investments continue working for you long after the year ends.

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