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Opportunity for Non-Filers in 2025 - Even if you're not mandated to file a tax return for 2025 due to minimal income, capitalize on chances to earn tax-free income. Consider selling appreciated stocks tax-free, or taking a penalty-free IRA distribution if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Low-Income Year? Convert to a Roth IRA - A lower income year presents an ideal chance to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, potentially reducing your tax burden. This strategy could also be advantageous if your retirement account stocks have depreciated.
Maximize Educational Tax Credits - If eligible for the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning credits, track your 2025 qualified education expenses. Prepay 2026 tuition for periods beginning in early 2026 to maximize these credits, especially helpful for new college students.
Main Home Sale Gains - Meeting the ownership and occupancy criteria can exempt you from capital gains tax on your home sale, up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers). If you don't meet these guidelines, you may still qualify for a partial exclusion under specific conditions such as employment relocation or health issues.
Optimize Your Health FSA - With a 2025 contribution cap of $3,300 and a carryover limit of $660 into 2026, evaluate your FSA contributions to maximize savings and ensure coverage of health expenses.
Taking Advantage of HSAs - If newly eligible for Health Savings Account contributions, make a full deductible contribution for 2025 even if you became eligible late in the year. HSAs offer deductible contributions, tax-deferred growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses.
Enhance Retirement Contributions - Seize the year-end to maximize tax-advantaged retirement contributions. Contributions might cut your tax bill if they are pre-tax, such as 401(k) contributions, or tax-deductible, like traditional IRA contributions.
Consider the Spousal IRA Advantage - If only one spouse earns income, the non-earning spouse can contribute to an IRA based on the earning spouse's income, even if retirement contributions for the earning spouse are limited due to high income or existing workplace plans.
Leveraging Catch-Up Contributions - For ages 60-64, 2025 offers a unique opportunity with increased catch-up limits—$11,250 for employer plans and $5,250 for SIMPLE plans. Utilize these to bolster retirement savings.
Defer Bonuses When Wise - Anticipating a year-end bonus? Consider deferring it if it aligns with lower income expectations next year, potentially benefiting your tax situation.
Meet Your Required Minimum Distributions - If turning 73 in 2025, ensure RMDs are taken by December 31 to prevent penalties. First-time RMD takers can delay until April of the following year, yet this doubles your distribution burden.
Offset Capital Losses Against Gains - Analyze your portfolio for underperforming stocks. Utilizing capital losses against gains can alleviate tax liability, remembering to avoid wash sale rule conflicts.
Plan Ahead for Appreciated Assets - For those with incomes below the 15% capital gains threshold, selling appreciated assets can potentially be tax-free. Review your tax bracket to capitalize on this benefit.
Prepay SALT for Enhanced Deductions - The expanded $40,000 SALT deduction offers opportunity. Prepay additional state or property taxes by year-end to fully leverage deductible limits.
Optimize Charitable Contributions - Bunch charitable donations for 2025 to maximize deductions before the 2026 0.5% floor reduction comes into play. Timing contributions effectively can boost their fiscal impact.
Leverage IRA Charitable Transfers - Taxpayers aged 70½+ can execute qualified charitable distributions, which are excluded from income, reducing taxable income and potential tax on Social Security or tax credit phaseouts.
Concentrate on Eligible Medical Deductions - Accumulate and settle eligible medical expenses exceeding 7.5% AGI for extended deduction benefits. Consider prepaying 2026 expected expenses if advantageous.
Utilize the Gift Tax Exclusion - The $19,000 gift tax exclusion (per recipient) lets you distribute gifts tax-free by December 31. If married, double the gifting potential, enriching both tax planning and personal giving strategies.
Hedge Against Tax Underpayment - Near the year-end, ensure tax prepayments align with obligations to avoid underpayment fines. Federal withholding adjustments can neutralize deficits and sidestep penalties.
Consider Disaster Loss Options - For losses due to federally declared disasters, evaluate claiming them on the most beneficial year's tax return to expedite refunds.
Addressing Scammed Investments - Investment-related losses due to fraud can be deductible under specific conditions; understanding these exceptions might reclaim untold losses.
Navigating Divorce Tax Implications - Post-divorce tax filing nuances, like adjusting to new marital status or optimizing deductions, require strategic considerations.
Time-Sensitive Energy Credits - With looming deadlines, remaining energy efficiency and solar credits offer avenues for reducing tax liability through environmentally focused investments.
For personalized guidance tailored to your situation, reach out to this office before December 31.
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