Budgeting
Q4 2026 Money Calendar: Dates for COLA, Enrollment and Taxes
Short answer
the key dates this quarter are October 14 (2027 Social Security COLA), October 15 – December 7 (Medicare open enrollment), November 1 – January 15 (ACA open enrollment) and December 31 (401(k), Roth conversion, RMD and loss-harvesting deadlines). IRS 2027 limits are expected in the fall but were not published yet.
October
| Date | What | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| October 14 (done) | 2027 Social Security COLA announced: 3.6% | Your January 2027 raise (guide) |
| October 15 | Medicare open enrollment begins | Review Part D and Medicare Advantage (guide) |
| October 15 | Extended 2025 tax-return deadline | For anyone who filed an extension |
| Through October | Employer benefits enrollment windows | FSA, HSA, health plan (checklist) |
| Around October–November | IRS announces 2027 inflation adjustments | New brackets, standard deduction and contribution limits (not published yet) |
November
| Date | What | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| November 1 | ACA open enrollment begins | Subsidy cliff is back (guide) |
| November | CMS announces official 2027 Medicare Part B premium and IRMAA brackets | Replaces the projected $209.50 (net raise guide) |
| Late November | Year-end tax moves start to matter | Review the checklist |
December
| Date | What | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| December 7 | Medicare open enrollment ends | Last day to change plans for January 1 |
| December 15 | Last day to pick an ACA plan for January 1 coverage | Later sign-ups start February 1 |
| December 31 | Deadline for 401(k) deferrals, Roth conversions, RMDs, loss harvesting, charitable gifts, annual gifts | 2026 limits: 401(k) $24,500, gift exclusion $19,000 |
| Early December | Personal COLA notice in your my Social Security account | Confirms your new benefit |
January 2027
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New plans and the COLA take effect |
| January 15 | Fourth-quarter estimated tax payment due; federal ACA open enrollment ends |
| Late January | Tax filing season opens |
Dates we are still waiting for
Official 2027 figures from the IRS (brackets, standard deduction, 401(k), IRA and HSA limits) and the CMS Part B premium. The Social Security COLA and related SSA figures were published on October 14. When they are published, one data file feeds every article and calculator on the site, so numbers can be updated everywhere at once.
Estimates, not advice. CalcWyse figures are based on the assumptions stated on this page (how we calculate). Rates, fees and terms vary by lender and change often. Get a quote from a licensed lender or adviser before you commit.
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