Strategies That Can Still Impact Your 2025 Taxes – Jessica Distel, CPA, MBA

Jessica A. Distel, CPA, MBA

February 26, 2026

In this video, Jessica A. Distel, CPA, MBA, Partner, and Associate Director of Business Services at Waverly Advisors, outlines key tax planning opportunities taxpayers should consider before the 2025 filing deadline.

Recorded on February 18th, 2026, Jessica explains several strategies that can potentially lower your 2025 tax bill even though the calendar year has ended. She discusses how prior-year IRA contributions and Health Savings Account (HSA) funding can still be made up until April 15, 2026, and how these contributions may reduce taxable income. She also reviews commonly overlooked tax credits and deductions, including child and dependent care credits, education credits, charitable contributions, and itemized deductions.

For self-employed individuals, Jessica highlights the importance of maximizing retirement contributions through SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k) plans, which may allow significant deductions even if funded in 2026. She also clarifies critical filing deadlines and explains the difference between filing an extension and paying taxes owed.

The key takeaway: planning opportunities remain available in early 2026 that can meaningfully impact your 2025 tax return.

For important disclosures, please visit: https://waverly-advisors.com/otherimportantdisclosure

Music Credit
Eternal Echoes by Ariel Shalom
Artlist.com

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

The information presented in this document is for general informational and educational purposes and is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. Nothing in this document constitutes, or shall be relied upon as, investment, legal, or tax advice to any person. The information in this document is provided effective as of the date of its publication, does not necessarily reflect the most current status or development, and is subject to revision at any time. Investing involves risk, and past performance does not necessarily predict future results. None of Waverly, or any of its officers, members, or affiliates, in any way warrant or guarantee the success of any action that anyone may take in reliance on any statements or recommendations in this document.

Waverly Advisors, LLC (“Waverly”) is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Waverly, including investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in Waverly’s ADV Part 2A Brochure and Form CRS (Customer Relationship Summary), available at https://waverly-advisors.com/.

You should not assume that any information provided serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Waverly. This information should be used as a reference only.

Investment advisory services are offered by Waverly Advisors, LLC, an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
© 2026 Waverly Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

For more information, please see our other important disclosures: Disclosure – Waverly Advisors (https://waverly-advisors.com/disclosure/)

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Jessica A. Distel, CPA, MBA

Partner, Managing Director of Waverly Tax Advisors

Jessica Distel joined Waverly Advisors in November of 2024 following the acquisition of Buckingham Advisors by Waverly Advisors, LLC. As a Managing Director at Waverly, Jessica brings more than 25 years of experience in tax and accounting. She finds great fulfillment in developing tax strategies, implementing tailored accounting processes and best practices, coaching clients to better understand ever-changing challenges and opportunities, and preparing her clients for the future.

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