Your Q4 Checklist and the Government Shutdown

What to know right now

• Oct 15 deadline remains in effect. If you filed an extension for your 2024 return, Oct 15 is the day to file. An extension gives extra time to file, not to pay. Penalties and interest still apply.

• Shutdown ≠ tax holiday. Federal services are constrained during the ongoing government shutdown, but tax deadlines and interest rules have not changed. Expect slower responses from agencies and lean on us for guidance.

• If you are not ready, file something accurate. Submitting the best available return by the deadline limits penalties, and you can amend later. Interest on underpayments is 7 percent for Q4 2025, compounded daily.

Your Q4 checklist

1. 1099 prep

   • Begin collecting W-9s now.

   • Our team can update vendor information and plan for filings

2. Equipment and capex timing

   • Bonus depreciation rules changed mid-January 2025. Generally, qualified property placed in service after Jan 19, 2025 can be 100% bonus. Property placed on or before Jan 19 may be limited to 40%, subject to the usual qualifications. Model timing before you buy.

3. Cash and taxes

   • Recheck Q4 estimates and cash runway. The IRS underpayment rate is 7% for Oct through Dec 2025.

We can help this week: Book a quick Q4 check with our team. We will confirm your filing status, map your 1099 plan, and review any planned purchases or tax moves before year end.