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RATCLIFF

CPA & CONSULTANTS

Fall Into Smart Tax Planning

OCTOBER 2026 NEWSLETTER

Harvesting Financial Success Together

🍂 Hello, October!

As autumn arrives and we enter the final quarter of 2026, now is the perfect time to review your finances, prepare for upcoming deadlines, and make strategic tax decisions before the year ends.

At Ratcliff CPA & Consultants, we are committed to keeping our clients informed about important tax changes and helping individuals and businesses plan with confidence.

This month, we are highlighting important Louisiana tax deadlines, federal disaster relief, and valuable year-end planning opportunities.

🚨 LOUISIANA TAX DEADLINE ALERT

NOVEMBER 2, 2026

IRS Disaster Relief Extension

The IRS has announced federal tax relief for qualifying Louisiana individuals and businesses affected by Tropical Storm Arthur, which began June 17, 2026.

Eligible taxpayers now have until November 2, 2026 to file certain federal tax returns and make qualifying tax payments originally due during the disaster postponement period.

Qualifying Louisiana Parishes:

Avoyelles • East Feliciana • Lafourche • Pointe Coupee • St. Charles • St. Landry • St. Tammany • Terrebonne • Winn

What Does This Mean for Taxpayers?

  • Qualifying taxpayers with valid 2025 federal individual filing extensions have until November 2, 2026, to file.
  • Certain business tax returns with qualifying deadlines are also extended.
  • Certain estimated federal income tax payments originally due during the relief period may be postponed.
  • Eligible taxpayers generally receive automatic IRS relief based on their address of record.

Important: This relief does not extend payment of 2025 individual income taxes originally due April 15, 2026. Taxpayers outside the qualifying areas may remain subject to the regular October 15 federal extended filing deadline.

🍁 Louisiana State Tax Deadline

NOVEMBER 16, 2026

2025 Louisiana Individual Income Tax Returns

The Louisiana Department of Revenue provides an automatic six-month filing extension for individual income tax returns.

For tax year 2025, the extended state individual income tax filing deadline is November 16, 2026.

Taxpayers do not need to submit a separate extension request to receive this automatic filing extension.

Please Note: The extension applies to filing, not payment. State income taxes were generally due May 15, 2026. Applicable penalties and interest may accrue on unpaid balances.

🍂 Finish 2026 Financially Strong

With the final quarter underway, October is an excellent opportunity to evaluate your financial position and explore year-end tax strategies.

1. Review Your Tax Withholding

Changes in income, employment, marital status, or dependents can impact your tax liability. Review your withholding before year-end.

2. Evaluate Retirement Contributions

Review available retirement contribution opportunities and determine whether additional contributions align with your financial and tax goals.

3. Organize Deductible Expenses

Gather receipts and supporting documentation for qualifying expenses and deductions. Proper recordkeeping makes tax preparation more efficient.

4. Review Estimated Tax Payments

Self-employed individuals and business owners should evaluate whether their estimated tax payments are sufficient.

5. Schedule Year-End Tax Planning

Proactive planning may help identify opportunities before December 31. Don't wait until filing season to review your tax situation.

🧡 Small Business Corner

Your Fourth-Quarter Business Checklist

Business owners: Now is the time to get your financial records organized and prepare for a successful year-end.

  • Reconcile bank and credit card accounts.
  • Review your profit and loss statement.
  • Evaluate business expenses and deductions.
  • Verify employee payroll information.
  • Collect missing contractor W-9 forms.
  • Review outstanding invoices and receivables.
  • Prepare for year-end payroll reporting.
  • Evaluate cash flow and upcoming expenses.

Organized books today mean fewer surprises tomorrow!

🍁 Preparing for the 2027 Tax Season

Tax season will be here before you know it! Preparing now can make the filing process smoother and help identify tax planning opportunities.

Be sure to inform your tax professional about major changes during 2026, including:

  • Marriage or divorce
  • Birth or adoption of a child
  • Home purchases or sales
  • New business ventures
  • Retirement or investment changes
  • Changes in employment
  • Changes in dependents

Early communication allows our team to better understand your tax situation and help you prepare for filing season.

🎃 October Financial Checklist

☐ Confirm your applicable federal tax deadline
☐ Review Louisiana state filing requirements
☐ Organize outstanding tax documents
☐ Review income and estimated tax payments
☐ Reconcile business financial records
☐ Evaluate retirement contributions
☐ Review year-end financial goals
☐ Schedule a tax planning appointment

Smart planning today creates greater financial confidence tomorrow.

🍂 Let's Finish 2026 Strong!

Whether you need assistance with an extended tax return, business accounting, or year-end tax planning, we're here to help.

Your Financial Success Is Always in Season!

Contact Ratcliff CPA & Consultants to discuss your tax and accounting needs.

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Ratcliff CPA & Consultants

Trusted Guidance • Thoughtful Planning • Financial Confidence

Serving Individuals, Families & Businesses

This newsletter is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute individualized tax or legal advice. Tax relief eligibility and deadlines depend on individual circumstances.

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