DON’T FORGET: The tax deadline is fast approaching. Contact us to get started on your return today.

Essential Tax Planning for 2025: Key Insights and Updates

With the 2025 tax season fast approaching, taxpayers face the important task of organizing their financial records in preparation for tax filings. The ease of this process largely depends on your record-keeping habits throughout the year. Regardless of how well you've kept your documents, being thoroughly prepared can allow more time to:

  • Identify every applicable deduction,

  • Choose the best income reporting methods,

  • Stay updated on new tax law changes, and

  • Consider tax planning strategies to lower future liabilities.

2025 Tax Changes: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces several notable updates for this tax year, including:

  • No Tax on Tips: Deduction up to $25,000 for qualified cash tips in tip-receiving occupations, phasing out above certain income thresholds.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Offers deductions on excess overtime pay with phase-outs at specific modified adjusted gross income levels.

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  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct interest on U.S.-assembled vehicle loans, subject to income limitations.

  • SALT Deduction Limit: Increased to $40,000, with phasedown for higher income taxpayers.

  • Super Retirement Catch-Up: Enhanced contribution limits for individuals aged 60-63.

  • Child Tax Credit: Increased credit amount with specified phase-out thresholds.

  • Adoption Credit: Additional refundable amount introduced, with inflation-adjusted figures for subsequent years.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Extended expensing limits for businesses on qualifying assets up to $2.5 million.

  • Bonus Depreciation: Permanent 100% bonus depreciation for immediate capital investment write-offs.

  • Research and Experimentation Expenses: Allows immediate deduction of domestic investments in R&D.

Preparing for your tax return should begin in January. Whether you have an in-person meeting, a videoconference, or send your records by mail, organization is key:

  • Keep records for income and expenses in designated folders, such as medical expenses or donations.

  • Alert us to foreign accounts or financial interests, potential penalties warrant attention to reporting requirements.

  • Be wary of cryptocurrency transactions; they require the same reporting detail as traditional asset sales.

  • Ensure an orderly bundle of annual income statements like W-2s and 1099s.

  • Jot down questions during preparation to address during your appointment.

  • Review last year’s reporting for comparison and continuity.

  • Confirm all Social Security numbers for dependents.

  • Verify your deductions against prior years for omissions.

  • Gather perplexing documents for clarity during your consultation.

Precision in Filing: Ensure personal details are accurate to minimize filing errors. Report marital status changes, including necessary accompanying documentation like separation agreements or deceased spouse’s estate papers.

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Special Considerations: Some financial transactions require specific tax treatment, ensuring better tax outcomes:

  • Asset Sales: Accurately report acquisition and sales details for all properties.

  • Inheritance and Gifts: Gather historical valuations for transferred property.

  • Home and Vehicle Purchases: Keep documentation to verify eligibility for applicable credits.

  • Energy-Efficient Improvements: Capture potential tax credits for sustainable upgrades.

  • Charitable Contributions: Maintain thorough records, particularly for high-value donations.

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If anything unusual occurred this year related to your finances, please contact us in advance to ensure all necessary documentation is prepared. For questions about organizing your tax information, our office is ready to assist.

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