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Prepare Now: Tax Season is Approaching Rapidly

As the tax season approaches, many taxpayers find themselves facing the daunting task of organizing records in anticipation of their tax appointment—whether it's in person, over a videoconference, or via telephone. The ease of this process often depends on how well you've maintained your tax records throughout the year. Regardless of your record-keeping prowess, being thoroughly prepared for tax return preparation allows us more time to:

  • Explore every potential legal deduction,

  • Assess the most advantageous income reporting methods and deductions for your situation,

  • Review current law changes that impact your tax status, and

  • Discuss tax-planning alternatives to reduce your future tax obligations.

Tax Updates for 2025 – With the introduction of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), several pivotal changes have been ushered in:

  • No Tax on Tips: You can now deduct up to $25,000 for qualified cash tips if you work in tip-receiving occupations. This deduction phases out with an AGI over $150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers, decreasing by $100 for every $1,000 above these thresholds. Note: Employers will include qualifying tips on your W-2 or provide a separate statement, specifically for 2025.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: A deduction of up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) is available for overtime surpassing regular pay rates. The deduction phases out for MAGI over $150,000 (singles) and $300,000 (joint filers), reducing by $100 for each $1,000 above. This is applicable for both itemizers and standard filers.

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 in interest on personal-use vehicle loans initiated after 2024. Applies to U.S.-assembled vehicles under 14,000 pounds, excluding family loans and non-personal vehicles such as campers.

  • SALT Deduction Limit: Now increased to $40,000 (up from $10,000). Phases down starting at a $500,000 MAGI, never dropping below $10,000.

  • Super Retirement Catch Up: Individuals aged 60-63 can contribute the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the standard catch-up amount to specific qualified plans, with higher limits for 2025.

  • Child Tax Credit: Updated credits for 2025-2028, with the credit being $2,200 ($1,700 refundable) and phases out at $400,000 MAGI for joint filers.

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  • Adoption Credit: The OBBBA introduced a refundable adoption credit for 2025, with provisions adjusted for inflation in subsequent years.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Limits ramped up to $2.5 million for Section 179 expensing, phasing out above $4 million.

  • Bonus Depreciation: Maintains 100% bonus depreciation to incentivize business investments.

Proactive Tax Planning – The tax code provides various options for managing income and deductions on your return. The choices you make can affect not only this year’s return but also future returns. It's crucial to consider each transaction, such as:

  • Sales of Property: Evaluate whether to report the whole gain in the year of sale or over time as you receive payments.

  • Depreciation Strategies: Decide whether to depreciate investments in business properties over several years or claim them in one year.

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Organizing Your Records – Begin organizing for your tax return in January to avoid the last-minute scramble. Consider these tips for staying organized:

  • Organize records by income and expense categories. Keep medical expense receipts in one place, mortgage interest payments in another, charitable donations in a third.

  • Highlight any foreign financial accounts or transactions. The penalties for failure to report can be severe.

  • Track cryptocurrency transactions, as the IRS continues to monitor digital assets closely. Cryptocurrency transactions must be tracked and reported similarly to stock transactions.

  • Make sure your annual income statements (W-2, 1099s, K-1s) are separate and complete with full details for each entry.

Final Steps – Before your tax appointment, review last year's return to ensure everything aligns. Here are additional considerations:

  • Verify Social Security numbers and personal data for accuracy to ensure the greatest precision possible on your return.

  • Consider any changes in marital status, and bring relevant legal documents for review if your circumstances changed during the year.

  • Gather detailed information on any dependents and make sure they meet the IRS dependency tests if you are unsure.

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By preparing diligently, you can minimize stress and maximize tax savings.
If you need assistance assembling your tax data, contact our office at any time for support.

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