Prepare for Tax Season: Essential Updates and Tips for 2025

As tax season approaches, it's time to tackle the annual task of gathering and organizing your financial records. Whether meeting your accountant face-to-face, via a video call, or over the phone, how seamlessly you manage this task largely depends on your year-round record-keeping habits. Prepared taxpayers pave the way for better reception of all potential tax savings strategies:

  • Consider every permissible deduction.

  • Determine the most suitable income reporting strategies.

  • Evaluate legislative changes impacting your tax obligations.

  • Discuss tax planning methods to mitigate future liabilities.

New Regulations for 2025 – This year brings several changes due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Notable updates include:

  • No Tax on Tips: Occupations receiving customary cash tips can now deduct up to $25,000, with decreases starting for individuals over $150,000 AGI and joint filers over $300,000. For 2025, employers must detail tips separately for clarity.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Overtime pay deductions increase to $12,500 ($25,000 for couples filing jointly), phasing out at MAGI of $150,000/$300,000. A detailed example clarifies deductible amounts compared to standard pay rates.

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deductible up to $10,000 on new personal-use vehicles. Restrictions exist based on income, available to those with post-2024 loans, documented by a new form or equivalent statement.

  • SALT Deduction Limit: Heightened to $40,000 but phased down for higher incomes, maintaining a minimum at $10,000.

  • Super Retirement Catch Up: Enhanced catch-up contributions for those aged 60-63, with stipulated caps based on plan types.

  • Child Tax Credit: Expanded credit amounts valid through 2028, factoring in refundable aspects and AGI thresholds.

  • Adoption Credit: Includes a refundable element; figures adjust with inflation and extend carry-forward capability.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Elevated to $2.5 million, beneficial for SMEs engaging in asset acquisitions, with usage requirements.

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  • Bonus Depreciation: Perpetual allowance of instant asset depreciation, differentiating between pre- and post-Jan 2025 placements.

  • Business Research or Experimental Expenditures: Immediate deductions for domestic activities, excluding amortization necessities abroad.

Optimize Your Filing Choices – Selecting the right method for reporting income and deductions not only influences current year outcomes but shapes future tax scenarios. Key considerations include:

  • Sales of Property: Opt for immediate or installment-based gain reporting.

  • Depreciation: Choices between spreading costs over time or capitalizing on one-time deductions.

Get Started Early – Kickstarting your tax preparation post-New Year is wise. Safeguard important documents by maintaining a dedicated filing system. Electronic statements should be printed unless otherwise directed.

  • Organize by category, such as medical expenses or charitable donations, and fill out any preparatory questionnaires entirely.

  • Highlight foreign assets or accounts, drawing attention to any that necessitate specialized reporting.

  • Track cryptocurrency dealings meticulously, acknowledging new reporting forms like 1099-DA for digital assets.

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  • Include insurance marketplaces or employment-based coverage forms.

  • Keep various income statements distinct (W-2s, 1099s, K-1s) and compare them with previous years to detect omissions.

  • Clarify Social Security numbers for dependents; verify deductions for discrepancies.

  • Bring or reference uncertain financial documents for further evaluation.

Accuracy Matters – Review your personal information and ensure all details meet accuracy standards. Mention any changes in marital status with appropriate documentation.

Dependent Considerations – Source dependent-related details, ensuring each individual aligns with IRS dependency tests. If someone qualifies but you're unsure, tally financial support for clarity.

Transactions with Special Rules – Prepare detailed documentation for specialized transactions like stock sales, home sales, or charitable activities. Record every sale to guarantee compliance.

  • Gifted or Inherited Property: Understand original purchase contexts for precise reporting.

  • Reinvested Dividends: Maintain comprehensive records to track reinvestments aligned with tax obligations.

  • Home Transactions: Recognize tax advantages or exclusions for principal residences or new home purchases, reflecting improvement costs.

  • Energy Efficiency Investments: Document energy system installations for tax credits.

  • Vehicle Purchases or Energy-Related Modifications: Integrate necessary proof of expenditure to qualify for potential incentives.

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  • Identity Theft Precautions: Be proactive if identity theft risks emerge, relying on IRS guidance for secure filings.

  • Charitable Contributions: Ensure cash and property donations are convincingly substantiated.

If you suspect any deviation from typical tax occurrences, connect with us to understand what documentation is necessary for comprehensive reporting. For further concerns about tax data preparation, please reach out to our office anytime.

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