DON’T FORGET: The tax deadline is fast approaching. Contact us to get started on your return today.
 
                        
As the end of the year approaches alongside the festive season, it's crucial to focus on tax strategies that could significantly impact your 2025 tax filing. Before getting swept up in holiday celebrations, consider these impactful year-end tax moves that might benefit your financial planning:
Consider Not Filing a 2025 Tax Return? - If your income and tax circumstances suggest that you won't need to file for 2025, explore opportunities to earn additional income that remains tax-free. For instance, you might sell appreciated stocks without tax implications or consider a tax-free IRA distribution if you're over 59½ or qualify for an early withdrawal exception.
Additionally, electing not to file might lead to missing out on significant refundable tax credits. Ensuring you're aware of all benefits is key.
Experiencing a Low Income Year? If this year’s income is surprisingly low, consider converting part of your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. The lower income typically means a reduced tax rate, providing an opportunity to convert at a lower tax cost. If your retirement stocks have decreased in value, it may also be a favorable time for conversion.

Children in College? Maximize the benefits of the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning education credits by ensuring your 2025 payments meet the maximum required for computation. If necessary, prepay a portion of 2026 tuition for sessions starting within the first quarter of the year.
Sold a Home? If you've sold your primary residence and qualify, gains up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) may not be taxed, provided ownership and occupancy tests are met. However, if you don’t meet these tests but sold due to employment change or health reasons, you may qualify for a partial gain exclusion.
Utilizing Employer Health FSAs? Ensure your contributions align with anticipated expenses and adjust as required. The 2025 cap is $3,300, with $660 eligible to roll over into early 2026.
Eligible for HSA Contributions? If you became eligible to make Health Savings Account contributions late in 2025, remember you can still contribute up to the full annual limit, potentially reducing your taxable income while supporting healthcare-related financial planning.

Retirement Savings Considerations—Don't miss out on maximizing your retirement contributions before year-end. Contributions made now can leverage tax-advantaged growth, essential for long-term financial stability. If your employer matches contributions, maximize this benefit to enhance your retirement readiness.
Planning for Inactive Spouse's IRA? Tax rules allow contributions based on a working spouse’s income, a critical option when one spouse retires.
Age 60 to 64 This Year? In 2025, enhanced retirement catch-up contributions become available, presenting an ideal opportunity for those nearing retirement to maximize their savings potential.
Expecting a Year-End Bonus? Consider deferring the receipt into 2026 if advantageous from a tax perspective, particularly if next year's income is expected to be lower.
Handling Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)? For those reaching or past the RMD age threshold, understanding deliberate withdrawal timing ensures penalty avoidance and strategic tax planning. First-year RMDs afford some timing flexibility into early 2026.
Should You Sell Devalued Stocks? Offsetting capital gains through loss sales can lower your taxable income—remaining mindful of "wash sale" rules is vital to ensure compliance.
Appreciated Stocks with Low Income? If your taxable income falls under the 15% capital gains threshold, consider selling appreciated stocks outside retirement accounts to capitalize on a potentially zero capital gains tax rate.

Prepaying State Income and Property Taxes—The OBBBA Act has raised the deduction limit on state and local taxes in 2025. Prepaying these may enhance your 2025 deduction if you itemize and are under the AMT.
Planning Charitable Contributions? Timed contributions in 2025 could amplify your deduction benefits, especially with the introduction of an AGI-based floor on deductions in 2026.
Interested in IRA Charitable Contributions? If aged 70½ or older, take advantage of QCDs, directly lowering taxable income and potentially impacting the taxability of Social Security benefits.
Outstanding Medical or Dental Expenses? Evaluate your itemized deductions, particularly when they exceed 7.5% AGI, and consider accelerating payments to maximize your deduction.
Maximize Gift Tax Exclusions—For 2025, assure any family gifts align with the annual exemption of $19,000 per individual to prevent tax liability.
Trying Prevent Underpayment Penalties? Adjusting year-end tax prepayments can mitigate or eliminate potential penalties, fostering financial peace of mind through structured withholdings.
Managing Disaster Losses — Consider the tax implications of claiming varying years for disaster-related losses, ensuring the optimal financial outcome.
Victim of Fraudulent Scams? Explore loss deductions associated with investment-related scams which may qualify under specific IRS guidelines.
Divorce or Separation in 2025? Ensure changes in your marital status are appropriately reflected in tax filings to maximize potential deductions and credits, with the assistance of a professional accountant.
Energy and Environmental Tax Credits—Act before these credits are phased out or significantly altered. Energy-efficient home improvements and solar installations remain eligible through the year-end.
Seek expert advice tailored to your unique situation. At PM Enterprises Inc, we excel in nationwide tax strategy formulation, excluding specifics in New York, Oregon, and California. Our mission is to streamline your tax obligations, delivering peace of mind as you transition into the new tax year.
Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.
We care about the protection of your data.