Gearing Up for Tax Season: Essential Updates and Tips

As tax season approaches, it's time to delve into the intricate task of organizing and preparing your records for your tax appointment. Whether you're meeting via videoconference, telephone, or face-to-face, the efficiency of these preparations hinges on how diligently you've maintained your tax documents throughout the year. A meticulous approach to gathering and organizing these records ensures a comprehensive review of your potential deductions, applicable tax laws, and personalization in your tax strategy:

  • Thoroughly identify every permissible deduction applicable to your situation.

  • Opt for the income reporting methods and deductions that align best with your financial circumstances.

  • Stay informed about current law changes, especially modifications affecting your tax posture.

  • Evaluate tax-planning alternatives to reduce your future tax obligations, leveraging every available strategy.

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Important Updates for 2025 – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings several pivotal changes this tax year, notably:

  • No Tax on Tips: Qualified service professionals can deduct up to $25,000 on their cash tips. However, for adjusted gross incomes (AGIs) exceeding $150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers, deductions will phase out. Employers will detail these tips on the W-2 form or provide separate documentation.

  • Tax-Free Qualified Overtime: This includes deductions of up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filings) for overtime pay surpassing the regular rate, with phase-outs for income over certain thresholds. This provision aims to benefit standard and itemized deduction filers alike.

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Individuals may claim up to $10,000 on interest for loans on personal vehicles acquired after 2024, with a new 1098-VLI form summarizing the interest details.

  • SALT Deduction Enhancement: The deduction limit for state and local taxes rises to $40,000, with income phase-downs beginning at $500,000 MAGI.

  • Increased Retirement Catch-Up: For those aged 60-63, retirement plan catch-up contributions have been majorly increased, excluding IRAs.

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Strategizing Your Tax Return – Effective tax planning hinges on choosing optimal methods for reporting income and claiming deductions. Evaluate your filing approach keeping in mind:

  • Property Sales: Consider installment sale options versus recognizing all gains in the year of sale.

  • Depreciation Choices: Decide between expensing or gradually depreciating eligible assets.

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Preparation Starts Early – Kickstart your tax readiness in January by establishing an organized filing system for all requisite documents, receipts, and forms. As documents arrive, allocate them into categories such as income and expenses to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Given the IRS's intensified focus on cryptocurrency transactions, ensure accurate reporting of any digital currency activities using the new Form 1099-DA. This vigilance must also extend to foreign accounts and income to avoid severe penalties.

Lastly, accurately record and segregate documents related to healthcare coverage from Form 1095-A, annual income reports, and any changes in personal circumstances, such as marital status or dependents. This foundational accuracy underpins successful tax filing and resolution.

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