Prepare Now: Tax Season Looms Ahead

As tax season approaches, it's essential to organize your financial records and prepare for your upcoming tax appointment, whether it be in person, via a video call, or over the phone. The complexity of this process largely depends on how meticulously you've kept your financial records throughout the year. Regardless of your record-keeping prowess, proper preparation for your tax return meeting allows us more time to:

  • Identify every feasible tax deduction,
  • Determine the most beneficial income reporting practices and deductions for your circumstances,
  • Analyze any recent changes in tax regulations affecting your situation, and
  • Discuss tax planning measures to lower your prospective tax burden.

What's New for 2025 – The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) introduces various updates, including the following significant changes:

  • No Tax on Tips: An eligible deduction of up to $25,000 for qualifying cash tips in occupations that customarily receive tips. This deduction phases out at an AGI above $150,000 for individuals and $300,000 for couples.
  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: A deductible amount of up to $12,500 (or $25,000 for joint filers) for overtime beyond standard rates, phasing out at a MAGI over $150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers.
  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Allows up to $10,000 in deductible interest on loans for U.S. assembled personal-use vehicles purchased after 2024.
  • SALT Deduction Limit: Raises the state and local tax deduction cap to $40,000, with phase-down starting at $500,000 MAGI.
  • Super Retirement Catch Up: Enhanced catch-up contributions for those aged 60-63, offering more flexibility for retirement planning.
  • Updated Child and Adoption Credits: Increased credit amounts for child tax credits and added refundable amounts for adoption credits, supporting families more effectively.
  • Section 179 Expensing and Bonus Depreciation: Encourages business investments with higher limits on asset expensing and permanent bonus depreciation incentives.
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Making Informed Decisions – Your tax filings can be affected by your choices in handling income and deductions. Considerations include:

  • Sales of Property: Decide between declaring total gains in the sale year or under an installment method.
  • Depreciation Choices: Opt between multi-year depreciation or immediate deduction for specific business investments.

Getting Started – Begin gathering your tax documents by January. Establish a secure place to accumulate records, systematically storing them as they arrive. Ensure you print electronic documents unless advised otherwise by our office. Additional recommendations include:

  • Categorize documents by income or expenses. Use a financial organizer to prompt any forgotten transactions.
  • Identify and report any foreign financial interests and digital asset transactions, as these require special reporting.
  • Ensure all health insurance forms, income statements, and dependent information are complete and accurate.
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Transactions Needing Special Attention – Some activities require additional documentation or special tax treatments:

  • Stock or Property Sales: Ensure full documentation of sales, including dates, costs, and sales prices.
  • Home Purchases or Sales: Provide settlement documents and records, crucial for deducting allowable expenses.
  • Energy Efficiency Credits: Verify eligibility for tax credits through certification, especially for home improvements and vehicle purchases.

Should any unusual tax situations arise during the year, don't hesitate to reach out beforehand for guidance on necessary documentation. Contact us if you have any questions about preparing your tax records, and let us help you navigate tax season with confidence.

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