If you’re expecting to inherit millions of dollars, the amount you can receive without being taxed is about to go up. Currently, estates worth less than $5.5 million can be transferred with no tax. Between next year and 2026, that base will roughly double. That means the best time to inherit your fortune, if it’s more than $5.5 million and less than about $11 million, will be from 2018 to 2026.

If you’re planning to give money to a charity, you might want to do it before the end of the year, before the new tax rules kick in. Many taxpayers won't get any benefit from charitable giving next year because the new, higher standard deduction means more people won’t itemize.. If you get creative and pool your giving in certain years, however, you may still be able to benefit. Another twist on pooling: contributing to a donor-advised fund, which is like a miniature personal foundation.