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Tax Season 2025: New Rules and How to Prepare

With the approach of tax season, it's time to start preparing for what can feel like a daunting task. The key to a stress-free tax filing process is efficient record-keeping throughout the year. Regardless of how well you've managed your records, being adequately prepared for your tax return appointment—whether in-person, via videoconference, or over the phone—can enable us to maximize your deductions, explore tax-saving strategies, and ensure compliance with recent tax changes.

  • Identify all viable deductions and credits.

  • Determine optimal income reporting techniques.

  • Evaluate tax law updates impacting your status.

  • Pursue tax-planning opportunities to reduce your future liabilities.

What's New in 2025?

This year brings several significant changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including notable benefits and alterations:

  • No Tax on Tips: A deduction of up to $25,000 is allowed for qualified cash tips, phased out for higher income brackets. Employers will report qualifying tips on a W-2 or provide separate reports in 2025.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Deduction of up to $12,500 for overtime pay beyond the regular rate. It applies to itemizers and standard deduction filers.

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  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 on loans for new vehicles assembled in the U.S., impacting personal-use vehicles only. Look for the lender's statement or new Form 1098-VLI.

  • SALT Deduction Limit: Increased to $40,000, with a phase-down for higher incomes, but never below $10,000.

  • Super Retirement Catch Up: Enhanced contribution limits for those aged 60-63 to various qualified plans, fostering retirement savings.

  • Child Tax Credit: Elevated to $2,200 per dependent under 17, with phase-outs for higher MAGI.

  • Adoption Credit: Total credit now $17,280 with a refundable component, expandable for future years.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Substantially increased limits benefit small to medium businesses, enabling immediate asset expensing up to $2.5 million.

Maximizing Your Options

Navigating the tax landscape requires understanding various methods to report income and handle deductions. Choosing strategic options affects not just the current year but future returns as well. For instance:

  • Property Sales: Consider whether to report gains from installment sales annually or in the year of sale.

  • Depreciation: Understand when to depreciate property investments gradually or leverage one-time deductions.

Organizing Your Tax Documents

Initiate your tax filing preparations in January. Establish a secure area for documents and routinely file pertinent records promptly. Develop categories for:

  • Income and expense documentation.

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  • Medical receipts and mortgage interest payments.

  • Charitable donations and other deductions.

Special Attention Might Be Needed For:

  • Digital Currency: Report transactions like stock sales. Form 1099-DA will be provided by brokers.

  • Health Insurance: Include Form 1095-A from the marketplace or employer-issued documentation for coverage verification.

  • Major Purchases: Provide closing statements or purchase documentation for homes and energy-efficient installations.

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  • Vehicle Expenses: Document the use of personal vehicles for business, calculating total, business, and commuting mileage.

Ensuring Accuracy

Review personal data meticulously. Ensure names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and occupations are current. For dependents, update any relevant data points to avoid disallowed credits or deductions. Record changes such as marital status or family dependencies for accurate filing.

If you've engaged in unique financial activities or require guidance on compiling tax data, reach out to our office for instruction and clarity. Being informed and prepared will help in optimizing tax outcomes and securing your financial wellbeing.

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