Tax-Smart Year-End Planning: Key 2026 Tax Changes & Strategies for Success

Lavelle Law • August 11, 2026

A Lavelle Law Breakfast Briefs Seminar

Lavelle Law Breakfast Briefs - a seminar series on various legal topics

Tax-Smart Year-End Planning: Key 2026 Tax Changes & Strategies for Success

A Lavelle Law Breakfast Briefs Seminar


September 16, 2026

7:45 AM – 9:00 AM

1933 N. Meacham Rd., Suite 127

Schaumburg, IL 60173


As year-end approaches, now is the time to take advantage of planning opportunities before tax deadlines arrive. With ongoing changes to tax laws, evolving IRS guidance, and potential legislative updates, proactive planning can make a significant difference for individuals, business owners, and their families.



Join Tim Hughes, tax attorney with Lavelle Law, and Dan Karnatz, CPA, CVA with Porte Brown, as they discuss the most important tax developments affecting 2026 and share practical strategies designed to help you minimize taxes, preserve wealth, and prepare for the future with confidence.


During this informative Breakfast Briefs seminar, you will learn about:

  • The most significant federal and Illinois tax law updates impacting individuals and businesses
  • Year-end planning strategies that may reduce your 2026 tax liability
  • Tax-saving opportunities for business owners, including entity planning, deductions, and credits
  • Retirement, investment, and estate planning considerations before year-end
  • Recent developments that could affect charitable giving, gifting strategies, and wealth transfer planning
  • Common year-end tax planning mistakes, and how to avoid them
  • Practical action steps to take before December 31 to position yourself for a stronger financial future


Whether you’re a business owner, executive, investor, or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, this seminar will provide timely insights and actionable recommendations you can discuss with your professional advisors before year-end.


Doors will open at 7:45 for a complimentary continental breakfast, and the presentation will begin at 8:00. This is a free seminar, but registration is required.

REGISTER

Meet the Panel

Tim Hughes

Tim Hughes is a Shareholder with Lavelle Law, Ltd., where he concentrates his practice in federal and state tax controversies and bankruptcy. He is also a past chair of the Federal Tax Committee of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association and a past chair of the Chicago Bar Association's Federal Tax Committee. Prior to that, Tim served for many years as chair of the Chicago Bar Association's Practice and Procedure Section of the Federal Tax Committee.


Tim also publishes a monthly newsletter, Tax News on the Tenth, and serves as a Cook County arbitrator in Chicago municipal cases. He is a graduate of Indiana University and received his J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law. Tim is a longtime Chicagoland resident, where he lives with his wife, Jacqueline.

Dan is a Partner at Porte Brown who operates out of the firm’s Elk Grove Village office. He leads the Estate and Trust department where he assists clients and other professionals with estate and gift tax planning and the related tax preparation. Dan is also a member of the Tax Services practice where he provides tax and advisory services for businesses and individuals. Furthermore, Dan is actively involved in providing accounting & advisory, business consulting, and valuation and transition planning services for closely held businesses.


Dan enjoys his role at Porte Brown because it allows him the opportunity to help small businesses, organizations, and individuals achieve their goals. He believes it is very important for his clients to have a trusted advisor who will offer guidance and advice that will help lead to their financial success.

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