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Prepare Ahead: Tax Season Approaches Swiftly

The countdown to tax season has started, and if you’re like the majority of taxpayers, you may feel the burden of organizing your records for your upcoming tax consultation—be it in person, via videoconference, or by phone. The ease of this process largely hinges on the diligence of your year-round record management. Regardless of how meticulous your record-keeping has been, arriving fully prepared for your tax preparation session grants us more time to:

  • Maximize every potential legal deduction,

  • Analyze the most effective income reporting methods and deductions tailored to your situation,

  • Interpret recent changes in tax laws impacting your tax status, and

  • Discuss tax-planning strategies that can lessen your future tax liabilities.

New for 2025 – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces several noteworthy amendments, such as:

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  • Tax-Free Tips: A deduction of up to $25,000 is available for qualifying cash tips in customary tip-receiving roles, phasing out for singles with an AGI over $150,000 and $300,000 for joint filers, diminishing by $100 for every $1,000 over these thresholds.

  • Tax-Free Overtime: Deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 if married filing jointly) from overtime pay surpassing the regular rate, with similar phase-out terms to the tips deduction.


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  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Claim up to $10,000 in interest on qualifying vehicle loans for vehicles assembled in the U.S.

  • SALT Deduction Increase: The state and local tax deduction cap is raised to $40,000, tapering down for MAGI exceeding $500,000.

  • Super Retirement Catch Up: Individuals aged 60-63 can make larger catch-up contributions, rewarding proactive retirement planning.

  • Enhanced Child Tax Credit: Raised to $2,200, with higher phase-out thresholds, supporting families more effectively.

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  • Adoption Credit: Increased with a refundable portion, aiding hopeful adoptive parents.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Allows expensing of qualifying assets, boosting small and medium business investments.

  • Bonus Depreciation: Made permanent, it allows immediate write-off of asset costs.

  • Domestic R&D Immediate Deduction: Effective in 2025, encouraging domestic innovation.

Strategizing Your Options – Selecting the appropriate methods for handling income and deductions can influence both this year and future returns. Considerations include:

  • Property Sales: Deciding between immediate gain reporting or spreading it over time.

  • Depreciation Options: Choosing between annual depreciation or full one-year deductions.

Preparation Steps – Begin your tax readiness in January, ensuring all records are systematically stored and accessible. Use an organizer to streamline the process and avoid missed opportunities. Key practices include:

  • Classify records by income and expense categories to ease filing.

  • Highlight any foreign financial interests and assets.

  • Track digital currency transactions rigorously for compliance.

Ensuring Data Accuracy – A meticulous review of personal and financial details helps enhance return accuracy. Changes in marital status, dependent information, and notable financial transactions should be meticulously documented and shared with your tax professional.

Should you encounter unusual financial activities that could impact your taxes, consult with our office proactively. For guidance on assembling and optimizing your tax documentation, reach out for expert advice.

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