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Prepare Now: Tax Season Approaches Swiftly

The arrival of tax season is imminent, and many taxpayers are gearing up to tackle the overwhelming task of organizing their financial documents in preparation for tax filing. Whether you plan to meet with a tax professional virtually, over the phone, or in person, the complexity of this task largely hinges on the quality of your record-keeping throughout the year. Regardless of your past efforts, being thoroughly prepared for tax return preparation allows us to:

  • Fully analyze every legal deduction available to you,

  • Identify the most advantageous income reporting methods and deductions specific to your case,

  • Evaluate how recent legislative changes may influence your tax status, and

  • Discuss tax-planning strategies to potentially reduce your future tax liabilities.

What's New for 2025?—The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces several significant tax changes for this year, including:

  • Exemption on Tip Income: A deduction allowance of up to $25,000 is now available for qualified cash tips in customary tip-receiving occupations, phasing out when AGI exceeds $150,000 for individuals and $300,000 for couples filing jointly. For 2025, employers may provide a statement listing qualifying tips separately from the W-2.

  • Deduction for Qualified Overtime: This allows up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) deductible on overtime pay above the regular rate, phasing out at certain income levels.

  • Image 1 Deductible Vehicle Loan Interest: Up to $10,000 in interest on loans for new personal-use vehicles after 2024 can be deducted, with phase-outs determined by income levels.

  • Expanded SALT Deduction: The itemized deduction limit for state and local taxes rises to $40,000, with a gradual phase-down for higher income taxpayers.

  • Enhanced Retirement Contributions: For those aged 60-63, catch-up contribution caps have been increased significantly, boosting potential contributions to retirement plans.

  • Child Tax Credit Augmentation: The child tax credit is increased to $2,200, with specified phase-out thresholds applied.

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Proactive Tax Planning—The nuances of tax law offer various ways to manage income and deductions on your return, influencing both current and prospective fiscal periods. This includes strategic decisions regarding:

  • Property Sales: When receiving payments over time, it is possible to determine whether gains should be reported in full at the point of sale or incrementally.

  • Depreciation Choices: Business properties can be expensed over time or, under certain conditions, all at once, maximizing tax efficiency and cash flow benefits.

Initiative in January can greatly ease the tax preparation process. Setting up an organized system for storing documents, whether digital or physical, is critical. As you begin collecting your annual documents, such as W-2s, 1099s, or health insurance forms, take immediate action to file them in designated folders.

Image 2 Key Records to Organize:

  • Complete all applicable sections of any tax organizer provided by your accountant, ensuring all potential transactions are remembered.

  • Highlight foreign financial interactions promptly, given severe penalties for failure to report these accurately.

  • Be mindful of IRS scrutiny surrounding cryptocurrency and prepare to account for digital transactions in a manner akin to stock trading.

  • If you've acquired health insurance via a marketplace, ensure inclusion of Form 1095-A in your tax documentation.

  • Segregate income statements from other documents, preparing questions or clarifications in advance of your tax appointment.

Accuracy is Paramount—Review personal data for exactness, verifying details such as names, Social Security numbers, and residential changes. Similar diligence is necessary to address status changes related to marriage, dependents, and significant life events.

Engage with us at the Caros Group with any specific inquiries or unique fiscal scenarios to ensure compliance and optimization of your tax affairs. Early consultation is encouraged to navigate complex regulations efficiently and achieve the best fiscal outcomes possible.

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