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LEARNING CENTER

Navigating Tax Season 2025 with Ease

As the calendar flips to January, taxpayers everywhere brace for the forthcoming tax season. The necessary preparations, whether for an in-person, virtual, or phone meeting, hinge largely on your file-keeping throughout the year. However, the advantages of diligent preparation extend far beyond simplicity, granting taxpayers the opportunity to:

  • Maximize all qualifying deductions,

  • Select the most advantageous reporting methods,

  • Adapt to recent legislation impacting tax scenarios, and

  • Engage in forward-thinking tax strategies to lower future burdens.

2025 Tax Updates – As we dive into the latest fiscal year, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces several noteworthy revisions, such as:

  • Tax-Free Tips: Now, you can deduct up to $25,000 of tips in eligible professions from taxes, scaling down for higher earners. This deduction is versatile, applicable to both standard deductions and itemizers, making it a key consideration for those in tip-driven roles.

  • Overtime Tax Relief: Deduct additional pay earned from overtime, subject to phase-outs for high earners. This is particularly beneficial for those who frequently clock in extra hours, transforming their overtime earnings into a more favorable tax position.

  • Interest on Vehicle Loans: Deduct interest on loans secured by personal vehicles, offering a strategic opportunity for those with new vehicle acquisitions, helping offset some of the cost pressures of new purchases.

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  • SALT Deduction Expansion: Increase in state and local tax deductions, though with reduced limits for high-income earners, reflecting shifts aimed at providing relief while maintaining progressivity in the tax code.

  • Enhanced Retirement Contributions: Greater leeway for catch-up contributions for older workers, ensuring those nearing retirement age can bolster their savings more effectively.

  • Expanded Child Tax Credit: Boosts in child tax credits, offering greater financial assistance for families, thus reinforcing the framework for family-centric fiscal policies under OBBBA.

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  • Adoption Credit Adjustments: Increases in adoption credits aid families growing through adoption, signaling sustained policy support.

  • Section 179 and Depreciation: Amplified expensing and depreciation align with the drive to galvanize investment in business growth, especially impactful for small to mid-sized businesses seeking upfront financial relief.

  • Research Expenditure Deductions: Immediate deductions for domestic R&D expenditures stand poised to foster innovation and development across a spectrum of industries, reflecting a commitment to nurturing a robust economic landscape.

Where to Start – Ensure your documents and records are organized to avoid last-minute scrambles. Starting early allows for strategic planning and the opportunity to capitalize on all available options such as deductions and credits, fostering an optimal financial outcome. General advice includes:

  • Organize documents by type, align required forms (such as Form 1095 for health coverage or Form 1099-DA for cryptocurrency), and consolidate annual statements separately from other documents.

  • Pay particular attention to foreign accounts and digital asset transactions, given their stringent reporting requirements.

  • State deductions, property sales, and any significant financial events, such as inheritance or large capital investments, should be meticulously documented for best outcomes.

  • Review previous returns to ensure no income or potential deductions are overlooked, leveraging insights to capture forthcoming opportunities.

Reach out if you have unique transactions or need clarity on deductions. By adopting these tips, you ensure tax season's inevitable stressors remain low, empowering you with a thoughtful, prepared approach.

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