Maximize Your Year-End Tax Benefits: Essential Strategies

As the year draws to a close and the festive season kicks in, it’s crucial to gear up for your year-end tax planning. By making informed decisions now, you can optimize your tax filings for 2025 and set yourself up for potential savings. Here are some critical strategies to consider for maximizing your tax benefits:

Opportunities for Non-Filers in 2025 – If your financial situation exempts you from filing a 2025 tax return, explore ways to elevate your tax-free income. Consider liquidating appreciated stock or taking advantage of tax-free IRA distributions if you meet the age or early withdrawal exceptions.

Remember, even if you aren’t legally required to file, doing so might unveil significant refundable tax credits you’re eligible for.

Low Income Year: Convert or Optimize - A dip in income presents a golden opportunity to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, potentially lowering the tax payable on the conversion. Assess your stock portfolio within your retirement account for depreciated stocks to convert into a Roth at reduced rates.

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Boost Education Credits - With children in college, ensure you maximize the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning credits by possibly prepaying 2026 tuition.

Home Sale Gains and Tests - If your principal residence was sold in 2025, avail the non-taxable gains up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) provided you meet the ownership and occupancy tests. Even if not, special circumstances like relocation might allow for partial exclusion.

Optimize Employer Health Plans – If you have an employer health flexible spending account, strategically increase contributions for the coming year to fully leverage the $3,300 cap and consider carryovers wisely.

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Strategize Retirement Contributions - Max out your retirement savings before year-end, taking full advantage of employer contributions and reducing taxable income. For retirees, utilize spousal contribution provisions to keep growing retirement funds.

Age 60-64 Enhanced Catch-Up Contributions - Enhance your retirement planning with increased catch-up contributions starting 2025, a strategic play for those close to retirement.

Bonuses and Required Distributions – If withholding a bonus or managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts, strategically plan to align payments and distributions with your tax objectives.

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Capital Gains and Losses - Assess your portfolio for underperforming stocks to realize losses against any taxable gains, keeping in mind the zero long-term capital gains rate for low-income filers.

SALT Deduction Expansion – The increased SALT deductions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) offer a vantage point for maximizing tax deductions with strategic prepayments.

Charitable Contributions Optimization – Septuple your deductions by donating planned 2026 contributions in 2025, while considering the forthcoming floor on deductions in 2026 to optimize your giving strategies.

Capitalizing on Energy Tax Credits – Act swiftly to claim credits for energy-efficient home modifications or solar installations, a strategic benefit slated to phase out by the end of 2025.

Should you need assistance navigating these complex tax strategies, do not hesitate to reach out to your tax professional. Proper planning can significantly influence your financial outcomes and reduce liabilities. Happy planning!

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