Prepare for Tax Season 2025 With Expert Insights

The 2025 tax season is approaching, and whether you're preparing to meet your accountant in-person, via videoconference, or by phone, organizing your financial documents is crucial. This task's complexity can vary based on how meticulously you've kept your records during the previous year. Regardless of your record-keeping habits, arriving prepared for your tax preparation appointment allows us to:

  • Identify every legitimate deduction.

  • Select the most advantageous income reporting methods and deductions tailored to your circumstances.

  • Analyze recent legislative changes impacting your tax status.

  • Discuss tax-planning strategies that may help lower your future tax liability.

Changes for the 2025 Tax Year

The 2025 tax year introduces several critical adjustments due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Key changes include:

  • Exemption on Tips: Taxpayers can now deduct up to $25,000 for qualified cash tips in accepted tip-receiving jobs. The deduction phases out at higher income levels and applies to both standard deduction users and itemizers.

  • Exemption on Overtime Earnings: Taxpayers may deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) for earnings exceeding standard overtime rates. Deductions phase out at specific Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) thresholds.

  • Interest Deduction for Vehicle Loans: Up to $10,000 in interest can be deducted on new personal-use vehicle loans, provided they meet specific criteria. This new provision phases out at different income ranges and combines itemizers and standard deduction filers.

  • SALT Deduction Cap Increase: The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap has been raised to $40,000 with phase-downs for higher-income taxpayers.

  • Enhanced Retirement Catch-Up Contributions: Individuals aged 60 to 63 can significantly boost contributions, fostering greater savings for retirement.

  • Increased Child Tax Credit: For 2025, the credit amount rises with enhanced benefits for under-17 dependents, subject to income phase-out thresholds.

  • Adoption Credit Updates: An increased refundable portion for the adoption credit is in effect, with carryforward options available.

  • Section 179 Limits and Bonus Depreciation: New provisions allow businesses to expense more substantial amounts for certain assets, rolling out opportunities for upfront tax savings.

  • Immediate Deduction for Business Research Expenditures: Domestic expenditures are now deductible upfront, encouraging innovation and business growth.

Optimizing Your Tax Position

The tax code allows flexibility in handling income and expenses. Understanding the implications of your decisions is essential, as they can affect both current and future returns.

  • Property Sales: Consider alternate gain-reporting strategies over time or immediately, influencing tax liabilities.

  • Depreciation: Optimize investment returns by choosing strategic depreciation schedules.

Where to Begin

Start your preparations early in January by establishing a dedicated storage area for incoming tax documents to ensure nothing is overlooked. If you receive digital documents, print them out unless otherwise advised. General preparation tips include:

  • Organize records by category—medical expenses, mortgage interest, charitable donations, etc.—and complete any taxa questionnaire diligently for a seamless appointment.

  • Flag any dealings in foreign accounts or assets to ensure compliance with all reporting requirements to avoid hefty penalties.

  • Stay informed about IRS's increased focus on digital assets. Recognition of cryptocurrency as property makes detailed reporting essential.

  • If you obtained insurance through a marketplace, keep form 1095-A ready, along with any workplace-issued forms detailing coverage for tax credits.

  • Retain separate annual income statements, such as W-2s and 1099s, and bring them to your tax preparer. These documents are vital for accurate filings.

  • Compile questions and review previous returns to ensure all income and deductions are current and accurate.

  • Ensure dependent information, including valid Social Security numbers, is up-to-date to prevent deductions or credit claims denials.

  • Evaluate items that may deserve deeper scrutiny based on unusual activity or transactions this year. Contacting our office ahead is encouraged to identify additional documentation needs.

Being proactive and meticulous in gathering and reviewing your tax documentation supports better decision-making and optimizes your tax outcome for 2025.

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