Essential Tax Preparation Strategies for 2025

As the tax season looms on the horizon, taxpayers are gearing up to navigate the often daunting task of gathering records in anticipation of their tax filing appointments. Whether you connect in person, via videoconference, or by phone, the complexity of this process is largely contingent on the organization of your tax documentation throughout the preceding year. Even for the most diligent record-keepers, thorough preparation is indispensable for optimizing tax return outcomes. Comprehensive preparation allows us to:

  • Assess all feasible legal deductions with meticulous attention,

  • Identify the most advantageous income reporting methods and deduction strategies,

  • Analyze the implications of recent legislative changes on your tax obligations, and

  • Discuss tax-planning solutions that could potentially mitigate future tax liabilities.

Key Updates for 2025 – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces several noteworthy modifications this year, including:

  • Tip Income Deduction: A tax exemption of up to $25,000 is provided for qualified cash tips in traditional tip-earning roles. However, the deduction phases out incrementally for adjusted gross incomes exceeding $150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers, diminishing by $100 for every $1,000 above the threshold. Eligible for both itemizers and standard deduction claimants, employers must include tip amounts on W-2 forms or separate 2025-specific statements.

  • Overtime Pay Exemption: Taxpayers may deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) on overtime earnings exceeding regular pay. The deduction phases out for modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 (individuals) and $300,000 (joint filers), reducing by $100 for every $1,000 over the threshold.

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  • Vehicle Loan Interest Credit: Taxpayers can claim a deduction up to $10,000 for interest on loans secured by a new, U.S.-assembled passenger vehicle under 14,000 pounds, initiated post-2024. Certain loans, including family loans, are excluded. Loans must be evidenced on a new Form 1098-VLI or equivalent statement for 2025.

  • SALT Deduction Increase: Itemized deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) escalates to $40,000, previously capped at $10,000. The deduction reduces for MAGI above $500,000, tapering to $10,000 by $600,000.

  • Super Retirement Catch Up: Elevated catch-up contribution limits favor taxpayers aged 60-63, enabling contributions up to $11,250 to various retirement plans like 401(k)s and 403(b) annuities in 2025.

  • Increased Child Tax Credit: Expanded credit offering $2,200 per dependent under 17 for 2025, phasing out at $400,000 MAGI for joint filers.

  • Adoption Credit Enhancement: The credit reaches $17,280 for 2025, incorporating a refundable component.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Limits raised for immediate expensing, boosting immediate tax relief, fostering small and medium-sized business investments, albeit with phase-out mechanisms above certain investment levels.

Optimize Your Tax Filing Strategy – Strategic decisions on income and deduction treatment can impact not only the current year’s tax return but also future obligations, such as:

  • Property Sales – Opt for either full-year reporting of sales gains or a staggered approach over multiple years if structured through installment contracts.

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    Asset Depreciation – Determine whether to leverage immediate expensing or a longer depreciation timeline for business property purchases.

Starting the Tax Process – Tax preparation should commence promptly in January by establishing a secure filing system for all incoming financial documents, whether through traditional mail or electronic channels. Consider the following organizational strategies:

  • Sort income and expense records categorically—health expenses, mortgage payments, donations, etc.

  • Notify us of any foreign financial interests to determine potential disclosure obligations.

  • Prepare for cryptocurrency transactions to meet mandatory reporting requirements under Form 1099-DA.

  • Include Form 1095-A for marketplace health insurance, and ensure all 1099 and K-1 forms are prepared.

  • Compile any further questions or document anomalies ahead of your consultation.

Attention to Detail – Maintain accuracy in personal data, including dependents’ Social Security numbers, and report any change in marital status or dependents residing with you to avoid discrepancies.

Nuanced Tax Considerations – Delve deeper into reporting specifics for diverse transaction types, ranging from stock sales to home purchases, and energy efficiency investments.

  • Ensure the accurate documentation of property sale details, including cost basis and holding period,

  • Safeguard substantiation for any charitable donations occurring through various channels, such as non-cash contributions and monetary gifts, ensuring compliance with set IRS requirements.

Should you encounter any unorthodox activities affecting your tax liabilities, contact our office for tailored guidance on the appropriate documentation.

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