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Prepare for Tax Season with Essential Updates and Tips

As the tax season approaches, proactive preparation can significantly ease the overwhelming task of compiling your financial records, whether you choose an in-person consultation, a videoconference, or a phone appointment. The key to a smoother tax filing experience lies in how meticulously you manage your tax documents throughout the year. Regardless of your record-keeping prowess, being thoroughly prepared for tax return preparation allows us to make informed choices such as:

  • Maximizing every lawful tax deduction,

  • Selecting the most advantageous income reporting methods suited to your needs,

  • Understanding recent legislative changes impacting your tax status,

  • Engaging in tax-planning discussions that could minimize future tax liabilities.

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Noteworthy Changes for 2025: Due to the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), several tax changes have been introduced:

  • No Tax on Tips: Enjoy a deduction of up to $25,000 for eligible tips in customary tip-receiving roles, with a phase-out starting at $150,000 for single filers and $300,000 for joint filers.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Claims for up to $12,500 (or $25,000 for married filing jointly) on overtime pay are available, phasing out at a $150,000 (singles) and $300,000 (joint) Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) threshold.

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deductions of up to $10,000 on interest from loans on new, personal-use vehicles assembled in the U.S.

  • SALT Deduction: The itemized deduction for state and local taxes has increased to $40,000, with a phase-down starting at $500,000 MAGI.

  • Super Retirement Catch-Up: An increase in catch-up contribution limits for individuals aged 60-63, allowing for enhanced retirement fund growth.

  • Child Tax Credit Enhancement: The OBBBA raises the tax credit amount significantly for 2025 through 2028.

  • Adoption Credit: Introduction of a partially refundable adoption credit, with a phased adjustment for inflation.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Immediate expensing options expanded, encouraging business investments with a heightened deduction limit of $2.5 million.

  • Bonus Depreciation: Permanent 100% bonus depreciation permits full write-off in the first year for qualifying assets.

  • Immediate Deductibility for Business Research: Domestic R&D expenses are now immediately deductible, promoting innovation within the U.S.

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Selecting Optimal Tax Strategies: The tax law provides multiple avenues to optimize income and deductions. Decisions made during tax filing can affect not only the current return but also subsequent years. Relevant topics include:

  • Sales of Property: Manage reporting of gains from property sales over extended periods for potential tax benefits.

  • Depreciation Options: Either deduct investment costs in business properties immediately or amortize them over several years.

Getting Started with Your Preparation: Begin your tax preparation journey in January, securing a designated safe spot for paperwork—be it a filing cabinet, cupboard, or safe. As you receive tax-related records, organize them immediately to ensure easy access. Embrace a digital approach by printing electronic documents, unless otherwise advised. Additional recommendations include:

  • Sort records by income and expense categories, such as medical expenses, mortgage interest payments, and charitable donations.

  • Disclose any foreign financial accounts to comply with IRS requirements and avoid substantial penalties.

  • Stay alert to IRS cryptocurrency monitoring, ensuring all virtual currency transactions are duly reported.

  • Include all relevant health insurance forms, such as the 1095-A, essential for determining premium tax credit.

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Attention to Detail Ensures Accuracy: Maintain accuracy by reviewing personal data on previous returns. In case of changes like marital status or dependency status, update your records accordingly and ensure compliant reflection in your current year's return.

Seek Special Considerations for Unique Transactions: Some transactions demand additional reporting, including sales of stocks, inherited property, and charitable donations. It’s wise to allocate extra time to prepare for such unique financial events. If any unusual financial activity may affect your return, please contact our office for guidance on documentation requirements.

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