Maximizing Your Tax Benefits Before Year-End

As the year draws to a close and holiday celebrations loom, it's imperative to seize year-end tax planning opportunities to optimize your 2025 tax filing. Here's a guide to essential tax considerations to wrap up the year:

Considering Skipping a 2025 Tax Return? - If your financial position means you can skip filing for 2025, explore how to leverage tax-free income. For example, divesting appreciated stocks without triggering tax liabilities or making tax-free IRA distributions (if over 59½ or meeting specific conditions) could be advantageous. Remember, even if not required, filing can unlock valuable refundable credits.

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Low Income Year? Consider converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, taking advantage of a reduced tax rate. Additionally, converting depreciated retirement account stocks to a Roth can be beneficial.

Children in College? Capitalize on tax credits such as the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits. Prepay 2026 tuition to maximize your 2025 credit, especially beneficial for new college students.

Home Sale Profits - If you sold your main home in 2025, and meet the ownership criteria, tax exemptions exist on gains up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers). Partial exclusions may apply if conditions such as relocating for work are met.

Health and Flexible Spending Plans - Optimize contributions to health FSAs and HSAs. Employees can top-up their FSAs for 2025 to $3,300 and carry $660 into 2026. Full-year contributions to HSAs are viable even if eligibility began late in the year.

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Boost Retirement Savings - Maximizing retirement plan contributions is key. For those aged 60-64, enhanced catch-up contributions can significantly augment retirement savings.

Expecting a Year-End Bonus? - Deferring bonuses can be strategic if you foresee lower income next year. Coordinate with your employer for deferment.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) - Ensure timely RMDs to avoid penalties. If 2025 is your first RMD year, understand the timing to avoid double distributions in 2026.

Portfolio Adjustments - Consider harvesting losses from depreciated stocks to offset capital gains. Beware of wash sale rules when executing this strategy.

SALT and Charitable Contributions - Prepay property and state taxes and plan charitable donations to enhance deductions. Note the introduction of a 0.5% charitable deduction floor starting 2026.

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For queries on the above tax strategies or personalized advice, reach out to our office for assistance.

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