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Essential Preparations for Tax Season with Key 2025 Updates

As tax season looms on the horizon, it's crucial for taxpayers to begin gathering and organizing their financial documents in anticipation of their tax appointments, whether in-person, via videoconference, or over the phone. The ease of this process largely depends on how meticulously you've maintained your records throughout the year. Regardless of your current state of readiness, thorough preparation for your tax return will enable us to:

  • Identify all potential deductions within the legal framework,

  • Select optimal methods for income reporting and deductions tailored to your specific circumstances,

  • Analyze recent legislative changes influencing your tax obligations, and

  • Discuss tax-planning strategies to minimize your future tax liabilities.

Key 2025 Legislative Updates – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has introduced several significant changes for 2025, including:

  • Tax-Free Tips: A deduction up to $25,000 is allowed on qualified tips in customary tip-receiving occupations, phasing out for AGIs above $150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers. Employers will detail qualifying tips on W-2s or a separate statement for 2025.

  • Overtime Pay Deduction: Up to $12,500 ($25,000 jointly) can be deducted for excess overtime pay, phasing out above specified MAGI thresholds, offering benefits to both itemizers and those claiming the standard deduction.

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Individuals can deduct up to $10,000 in interest on loans for new personal-use vehicles, phasing out for higher incomes, with lenders issuing Form 1098-VLI or a substitute for 2025.

  • SALT Deduction Increase: The SALT deduction cap has been raised to $40,000, with stringent phase-downs for higher earners.

  • Super Retirement Catch-Up: Enhanced contribution limits for taxpayers aged 60-63, with specific provisions for various qualified plans.

  • Child and Adoption Credits: Enhanced Child Tax Credit of $2,200 and a significant Adoption Credit increase, alongside phased refundability and limits.

  • Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation: Substantially increased limits under OBBBA, supporting immediate expensing of qualifying assets and amplified deductions to fuel business investment.

  • Research Expenditure Deduction: Permits immediate deduction of domestic research costs, maintaining amortization for foreign expenses.

Strategic Tax Preparation– Selecting the best tax strategies requires a comprehensive understanding of potential options, such as:

  • Property Sales: Options for reporting income from installment sales.

  • Depreciation Choices: Evaluating depreciation options for business investments.

Begin Your Preparation: Initiate your tax return preparation early in the new year. Utilize a designated space for organizing your records as they arrive and adhere to this habit. If you receive documents electronically, ensure printed copies are available unless otherwise advised. Follow these practices:

  • Organize records by income and expense categories, ensuring a complete report for medical expenses, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions.

  • Report and highlight any foreign financial holdings and transactions, given the severe penalties for non-compliance.

  • Be vigilant about cryptocurrency transactions. Brokers must report digital transactions via Form 1099-DA.

  • Include Form 1095-A when obtained through marketplace exchanges for health insurance, vital for premium tax credit calculations.

  • Keep income statements like W-2s, 1099s, and K-1s separate and ready for review during your appointment.

  • Note questions as they arise and cross-check previous returns for overlooked income or omissions.

  • Ensure all dependent details, especially Social Security numbers, are accurately documented, as their omission could negate deductions or credits.

  • Verify last year’s deductions against your current records to ensure nothing is forgotten.

  • Bring any unexplained documents for clarification during your consultation.

Accuracy in Reporting: Verify personal information for accuracy to prevent issues during return processing. Report any changes in marital status with relevant documentation for precision in filing status assessment.

Dependent Details: Provide updated information for all dependents to maximize eligible deductions and credits.

Transactions Requiring Special Handling: Treat certain transactions, such as sales of investments or property, with heightened scrutiny to meet reporting standards precisely.

  • Stock or Property Sales: Ensure all transactions are reported, highlighting essential dates and financial details.

  • Gifted or Inherited Assets: Acknowledge prior ownership and valuation history for correct tax treatment.

  • Reinvested Dividends: Maintain records of all reinvested transactions following brokerage statements accurately.

  • Home Sale Details: Understand the implications of home improvements and sale gains concerning possible exclusions.

  • Recent Home or Vehicle Purchases: Gather closing statements and evidence for applicable credits or deductions.

  • Energy Investments and Audits: Present documented evidence of renewable energy installations or efficiency upgrades for tax credit qualification.

If any unusual events occurred during the year that could influence your tax return, contact us to determine necessary documentation. For questions about gathering your tax data, Chris Conway and the Ember Coaching & Financial Services team are just a call away.

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