Tax season is fast approaching, signaling a need for taxpayers to gather their records in preparation for their tax appointments, whether in person, via videoconference, or over the phone. The ease of this annual task largely depends on the quality of record-keeping practices maintained throughout the year. Regardless, a well-prepared approach to tax return preparation ensures we have ample time to:
Identify every potential legal deduction,
Determine the most beneficial income reporting methods and deductions for your circumstances,
Analyze recent tax law changes impacting your situation, and
Discuss tax-planning strategies that could minimize your future tax burden.
New for 2025 – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces several significant changes this year, including:
No Tax on Tips: A deduction up to $25,000 is allowed for qualified cash tips in professions that traditionally receive tips, phasing out for AGIs above $150,000 (singles) and $300,000 (joint filers), reducing by $100 for every $1,000 over these thresholds. This deduction is applicable to both itemizers and standard deduction filers.
No Tax on Qualified Overtime: A deduction up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) is available for overtime. The deduction phases out for MAGI over $150,000 (singles) and $300,000 (joint filers). The deductible amount equals the difference between the overtime hourly rate and the regular hourly rate.
Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 in interest on loans for new U.S. assembled personal-use vehicles. Income phase-outs apply, and lenders will report interest on Form 1098-VLI or an approved substitute for 2025.
SALT Deduction Limit: Increased to $40,000, with phase-downs for higher incomes, ensuring it never drops below $10,000.
Super Retirement Catch Up: Enhanced contribution limits for individuals aged 60-63 allow for greater savings opportunities, with specific caps applicable to different types of retirement plans.
Child Tax Credit: OBBBA increases the credit, with new phase-out levels for MAGI over specified amounts.
Adoption Credit: Enhanced refundable amounts and phase-out ranges offer improved financial support for adoptive families.
Section 179 Expensing: Higher limits allow businesses to expense qualifying assets immediately, promoting economic investment and tax savings.
Bonus Depreciation: Offers full expensing benefits for certain tangible assets, stimulating significant cash flow improvements and investment activities.
Business Research or Experimental Expenditures: Immediate deductions for domestic expenses encourage continued innovation and experimentation.

Selecting Optimal Tax Alternatives – Various methods exist for managing income and deductions. Decisions made today influence current and future tax outcomes. Consider strategies like:
Property Sales: Elect to report gains entirely in the year of the sale or spread over installment payments.
Depreciation: Deduct business property costs over time or potentially all at once, depending on specific conditions.

Getting Started – Begin preparing for your tax return as early as January. Establish a secure filing system for relevant documents, whether physical or electronic. General tips for tax preparation include:
Organize records by income and expense categories. Complete all applicable sections of provided organizers or questionnaires thoroughly.
Highlight foreign financial interests to ensure full compliance with reporting requirements.
Monitor cryptocurrency transactions, now obligatorily reported on the new Form 1099-DA for detailed tracking.
Include marketplace-issued Form 1095-A for insurance directly from government exchanges, alongside employer-provided health coverage forms when applicable.
Ensure annual income statements like W-2s and 1099s are separate from other documents to facilitate efficient filing.
Note questions during material gathering to optimize appointment discussions. Compare this tax year against the previous for completeness and accuracy.
Verify Social Security numbers for all dependents to avoid denied deductions or credits.
Collect any perplexing financial paperwork for review and advisory during your appointment.
Accuracy in Details – Ensure precise personal information reporting on your return. This includes verifying changes in names, addresses, and Social Security numbers.
Marital Status Changes – If your marital status altered during the year, bring relevant documentation to your appointment to align your tax position accurately.
Dependents – For your dependents, provide any necessary updated or new information regarding their personal and financial status.
Special Tax Situations – Certain financial activities require extra attention. When applicable, prepare supplementary documentation for:
Sales of Stock or Property: Thoroughly report all transactions, maintaining purchase and sale documentation for comprehensive reporting.
Gifted or Inherited Property: Establish historical cost basis and valuation records for gains tracking.
Reinvested Dividends: Document dividend reinvestment plans for accurate gain calculations.
Home Sales: Utilize favorable tax provisions for primary residence gains, keeping comprehensive improvement records.
Home Purchases: Present closing documents to satisfy verification requirements.
Electric Vehicle Purchases: Prepare for potential credits with purchase documentation, if applicable.
Energy Modifications: Provide certification for energy-efficient home installations to qualify for credits.

Contact us ahead of time if you anticipate any unusual transactions that might affect your tax filing. We are here to assist in compiling your tax data and ensuring your return is accurate and optimized to your unique financial situation.
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