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Essential Tax Preparation Tips for the Upcoming Season

With tax season fast approaching, it's critical for taxpayers to start organizing their documents for their tax appointments, whether in person, by videoconference, or over the phone. The level of difficulty in preparing for this depends on the state of your records throughout the year. Regardless of your record-keeping prowess, preparing thoroughly for your tax return can maximize our time to:

  • Explore every legitimate tax deduction.

  • Determine which income reporting strategies and deductions are most advantageous for your circumstances.

  • Understand recent legislative changes impacting your tax status.

  • Discuss tax-planning alternatives to lessen future tax liabilities.

What's New for 2025: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces several tax changes:

  • No Tax on Tips: A deduction of up to $25,000 for qualifying cash tips in tip-receiving occupations, phasing out with an AGI over $150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Deductible overtime pay at a rate higher than regular pay, capping at $12,500 for individuals and $25,000 for couples. Phases out with MAGI exceeding $150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers.

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 on interest from loans for new personal-use passenger vehicles made in the U.S., phasing out between $100,000 and $150,000 for singles and $200,000 to $250,000 for joint filers.

  • SALT Deduction Limit: The SALT deduction cap is now $40,000, phasing down starting at $500,000 MAGI.

  • Super Retirement Catch Up: Enhanced catch-up contributions for individuals aged 60 to 63, now up to $11,250 for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457 plans, excluding IRAs.

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  • Child Tax Credit: Raised to $2,200 per dependent with $1,700 refundable, phasing out at $400,000 MAGI for couples.

  • Adoption Credit: $17,280 with a $5,000 refundable component, adjustable annually for inflation.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Limits expanded to $2.5 million, facilitating faster asset depreciation but with potential for recapture if use dips below 50%.

  • Bonus Depreciation: 100% immediate write-off for qualifying properties aimed at encouraging business investments.

  • Research or Experimental Expenditures: Domestic expenses become fully deductible at inception, while international costs remain amortized.

Optimize Your Tax Return: The strategic selection of income and deductions impacts both present and future returns. Key considerations include:

  • Property Sales: Choose between reporting full gains upfront or spreading them over time for installment sales.

  • Depreciation: Decide between annual depreciation or expensing costs in a single year under Section 179 where applicable.

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Preparation Strategies: Start early in January, organizing your documents as you receive them. Consider electronically received documents, and traditional mail submissions if required. Develop a system such as a file drawer for storing everything relevant.

Ensure your records are segregated by category: medical expenses, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Use tax organizers if provided, and flag any foreign dealings or cryptocurrency activities that require special reporting.

New Form Compliance: Be aware of the various forms like 1095-A for health insurance via marketplaces, or new 1099-DA for cryptocurrency transactions.

  • Clarify Dependents: Ensure you have up-to-date records for all dependents, including SSNs, birthdates, and their income details. For dependents over age 18, note their student status.

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  • Special Transactions: Evaluate any special tax transactions like stock sales, home purchases, energy-efficient improvements for potential deductions, and credit opportunities.

If unusual events occurred in your financial year that might affect your return, reach out proactively to determine necessary documentation. For questions on your tax data assembly, please contact our office for guidance.

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