Get Ready for Tax Season: Key Updates for 2025

As tax season approaches, preparation becomes crucial to navigating the complexities of new tax regulations. Whether you're meeting your tax advisor in person, through a video call, or over the phone, being well-prepared can ease the process significantly. Your preparation level throughout the year will impact your tax filing experience. Ensuring all records are in order will allow us more time to:

  • Investigate every potential legal deduction,

  • Choose the best income reporting methods and deductions tailored to your circumstances,

  • Understand recent law changes that may affect your financial situation, and

  • Discuss strategies for reducing future tax liabilities.

Major Changes for 2025 - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has introduced several significant changes for the upcoming tax year, including:

  • Tip Tax Elimination: Workers in tipping industries can deduct up to $25,000 in cash tips, with eligibility phasing out at certain income levels. Both itemizers and those taking the standard deduction can avail of this.

  • Overtime Pay Exemption: Up to $12,500 (or $25,000 for joint filers) can be deducted for overtime pay exceeding the regular rate.

    Example:
    Overtime Hourly Rate: $30.00
    Regular Hourly Rate: $20.00
    Deductible Amount: $10.00 per overtime hour worked

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct interest on loans for new U.S.-assembled personal-use vehicles, with a phased deduction at specified income thresholds.

  • Increased SALT Deduction Limit: The itemized deduction for state and local taxes has increased to $40,000, adjusting for higher income brackets.

  • Enhanced Retirement Contributions: Catch-up contributions for individuals aged 60-63 have increased significantly, encouraging greater savings for retirement.

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  • Child Tax Credit Increase: The OBBBA increased the credit to $2,200 per qualifying child, impacting many taxpayers positively.

  • Adoption Credit Adjustments: The adoption credit now includes a refundable portion, making adoption more financially accessible.

  • Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation: Businesses can capitalize on increased expense limits, encouraging growth and modernization.

  • Business Research Expenditure Write-Offs: Domestic business research costs are fully deductible, boosting innovation within the U.S.

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Your Tax Strategies - With various income and deduction methods available, the choices you make impact both current and future tax situations. Important considerations include:

  • Property Sales - Choose between immediate gain reporting or installment sales basis to manage tax impacts.

  • Depreciation Choices - Opt for yearly depreciation or immediate expensing under Section 179, enhancing cash flow and tax returns.

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Getting Organized - Start your tax record organization early in January. Establish a secure place for documents and ensure each item is filed promptly to avoid last-minute scrambling. For electronic received documents, print them unless instructed otherwise.

  • Sort records by category, such as medical expenses and charitable donations, to streamline tax appointments or mail-in filings.

  • Highlight any foreign financial interests to comply with reporting requirements and avoid severe penalties.

  • Respond to virtual currency transaction scrutiny, as the IRS continues its enforcement.

Include relevant healthcare forms like the 1095-A/1095-B to ensure accurate tax credit calculations, and separate income statements like W-2s and 1099s for clear reporting.

Take notes on any tax-related questions you have, and gather last year’s return for reference and verification of past income and deductions.

Ensuring Accuracy - Ensuring the correctness of all personal and dependent information is essential. Changes in marital status, dependents, and other personal details need precise documentation.

  • Report all transactions involving stocks, property, or other assets, even if there are no gains or losses. Maintain thorough records of each sale.

  • If you've experienced identity theft, address it promptly with our assistance to follow IRS protocols.

  • Reflect on any extraordinary events over the past year, ensuring you bring any pertinent documentation for our review.

Should you have any queries while assembling your tax documents, don't hesitate to reach out. A proactive approach to tax filing can yield significant benefits throughout the year.

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If any of these topics caught your attention, please contact to start the conversation!
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