Tax Season 2025: Essential Preparations and Key Changes

The arrival of tax season is inevitable, and as it approaches, many taxpayers feel the pressure of gathering the necessary documentation for their tax appointments. Regardless of whether you choose to meet your tax professional in person, via videoconference, or by phone, the ease of this process largely depends on your record-keeping practices throughout the year.

Being well-prepared can allow your accountant to focus on:

  • Identifying all potential legal deductions,
  • Determining optimal income reporting methods for your situation,
  • Evaluating how recent legislative changes might influence your tax standing, and
  • Discussing future tax liability reduction strategies.

2025 Highlights – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings significant changes this year. Key provisions include:

  • No Tax on Tips: Deduct up to $25,000 in eligible cash tips, phasing out at an AGI over $150,000 for singles or $300,000 for joint filers. This deduction applies to both regular and itemized filers.
  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Up to a $12,500 deduction ($25,000 for married joint filers) on overtime pay exceeding the standard rate, with phase-out points similar to the tips deduction.
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  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 on interest for U.S.-assembled, new personal-use vehicles bought after 2024. This phases out between $100,000-$150,000 for singles and $200,000-$250,000 for joint filers.
  • SALT Deduction Increase: The deduction limit for state and local taxes is increased to $40,000, tapering off for higher earners over $500,000 MAGI.
  • Super Retirement Catch Up: Enhanced contribution limits for individuals aged 60-63, applicable to various retirement plans, except IRAs.
  • Child Tax Credit: Enhanced to $2,200, with $1,700 refundable, phase-outs starting at MAGI of $400,000 for joint filers.
  • Adoption Credit: Increased credit amounts with partial refunds and provisions for carrying forward excess amounts.
  • Section 179 Expensing and Bonus Depreciation: Higher limits for immediate expensing of qualifying business assets.
  • Research and Experimental Expenditures: Immediate deduction for domestic expenses, with a 15-year amortization for foreign expenditures.

Strategic Tax Filing – Your choices during tax preparation influence not just the current but also future returns. Consider the following:

  • Property Sales: Options may exist for when and how to report property sales.
  • Depreciation Options: Evaluate whether to spread costs over years or take a one-time deduction.

Organized Preparation Begins Early – Initiate tax preparations in January. Designate a secure spot for documents as they arrive, and make electronic copies if directed. Stay organized by categorizing records by type and completing any provided tax organizer thoroughly.

Highlight any foreign financial involvements, as penalties for non-compliance are severe. Note that cryptocurrency is under increased IRS scrutiny as digital asset transactions now require detailed reporting.

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Bring your health insurance Form 1095-A or employer-provided 1095-B and C documents, and separate annual income statements like W-2s and 1099s from other paperwork.

Ensure accuracy in details such as Social Security numbers and verify any changes in personal information or marital status.

If you had unusual financial activities this year, reach out in advance for guidance on necessary documentation or bring your questions to your appointment.

Proper preparation enables a more accurate and efficient tax return process. For queries or assistance on organizing tax materials, feel free to contact our office.

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