Q4 2026 Planning Guide for Turkish Companies in the US: Tax, Compliance, and Strategy

The fourth quarter of 2026 (October–December) is the most consequential planning period of the year for Turkish companies and individuals with US operations. Decisions made in Q4 — on tax structure, immigration status, corporate governance, and business strategy — shape outcomes for the year ahead. This guide provides a structured framework for Q4 planning.

Q4 is the last opportunity to implement tax strategies that reduce 2026 US tax liability:

Accelerate deductions: Consider accelerating deductible expenses into 2026 — prepaying rent, purchasing equipment (Section 179 expensing), making charitable contributions, and paying bonuses before year-end.

Defer income: Where possible, defer recognition of income into 2027. For cash-basis taxpayers, this may mean delaying invoicing or collections until January.

Retirement plan contributions: Maximize contributions to US retirement plans (401(k), SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA) before year-end. Contributions reduce taxable income and grow tax-deferred.

Estimated tax payments: Q4 estimated tax payment is due January 15, 2027. Review year-to-date income and ensure estimated payments are sufficient to avoid underpayment penalties.

Bonus depreciation: Review whether any 2026 capital expenditures qualify for bonus depreciation under current law.

Turkish companies with US subsidiaries should review intercompany transactions before year-end:

• Are intercompany prices consistent with the arm's-length standard?
• Is transfer pricing documentation current?
• Are any year-end adjustments needed to bring intercompany prices into compliance?

US C-Corporations with Turkish parent companies, and Turkish companies with US subsidiaries, should review their Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) and Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII) positions before year-end.

Review state and local tax obligations:

• Are all required state tax returns filed?
• Is the company registered in all states where it has nexus?
• Are any state tax elections available that could reduce liability?

Q4 is the time to review the immigration status of all Turkish employees in the US:

Expiring visas and status: Identify employees whose visa stamps or authorized stay periods expire in Q1 2027. Begin extension or change of status proceedings now — USCIS processing times mean Q4 filings are needed for Q1 2027 deadlines.

H-1B cap planning for FY2028: The FY2028 H-1B cap registration period opens in March 2027. Identify employees who will need H-1B status for FY2028 and begin preparation now.

Green card pipeline: Review the status of pending green card cases. Identify employees who should begin the green card process in 2027.

Travel planning: Turkish employees with pending immigration applications should consult with immigration counsel before international travel. Certain pending applications can be affected by travel.

Conduct an annual I-9 audit before year-end:

• Review all I-9 forms for completeness and accuracy
• Identify and correct technical violations
• Purge I-9 forms for employees who have been terminated for more than 3 years (or 1 year after termination, whichever is later)
• Ensure re-verification is completed for employees with expiring work authorization

Ensure required board and committee meetings are held before year-end:

• Annual board meeting (if required by operating agreement or bylaws)
• Audit committee review of financial statements
• Compensation committee approval of bonuses and equity grants
• Approval of any year-end related-party transactions

Review entity maintenance requirements:

• Delaware annual report and franchise tax (due March 1 for corporations; June 30 for LLCs)
• Foreign qualification renewals in states where the company is registered
• Registered agent confirmations
• Operating agreement and bylaw updates (if needed)

Verify that all required Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports have been filed with FinCEN. Report any changes in beneficial ownership that occurred during 2026.

Review all significant contracts for renewal or expiration dates in Q1 2027:

• Customer contracts
• Supplier agreements
• Lease agreements
• Employment agreements
• License agreements

Begin renewal negotiations early — waiting until the last minute reduces negotiating leverage.

Review insurance coverage before year-end:

• General liability
• Directors and officers (D&O)
• Errors and omissions (E&O)
• Cyber liability
• Workers' compensation
• Property insurance

Ensure coverage is adequate for 2027 operations and that premiums are competitive.

Conduct a structured Q4 business review:

• 2026 financial performance vs. budget
• Key wins and losses
• Competitive landscape changes
• Regulatory developments affecting the business

Prepare the 2027 budget and financial forecast:

• Revenue projections by product/service and geography
• Headcount and compensation planning
• Capital expenditure planning
• Cash flow projections

For Turkish companies considering US market expansion in 2027:

• Assess whether current US structure is optimal for expanded operations
• Evaluate new state registrations needed for expanded geographic footprint
• Plan for additional US hiring and associated immigration needs
• Review IP protection strategy for new US products or services

Our attorneys provide comprehensive Q4 planning services for Turkish companies with US operations — coordinating tax planning, immigration reviews, corporate governance, and strategic planning to ensure our clients enter 2027 in the strongest possible position.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Planning strategies are highly fact-specific; please consult qualified counsel for advice specific to your situation.