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Prepare for Tax Season with These Essential Tips

As tax season approaches, taxpayers often find themselves overwhelmed by the need to organize financial records. Whether you're planning an in-person, videoconference, or telephone tax appointment, your level of preparedness significantly influences your ability to maximize deductions and optimize tax outcomes.

Embracing efficient record-keeping can streamline this process. Being thoroughly prepared for your tax return filing allows you to:

  • Maximize every legal deduction opportunity

  • Select optimal income reporting methods and applicable deductions for your financial situation

  • Navigate recent tax law changes impacting your financial status

  • Explore strategic tax planning to reduce future liabilities

New for 2025 – This year introduces multiple changes with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), notably:

  • No Tax on Tips: Deduct up to $25,000 for qualified cash tips in customary occupations. This deduction phases out for adjusted gross incomes above $150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) for certain overtime earnings. Phases out over $150,000 income (singles) and $300,000 (joint).

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 in interest on vehicles bought after 2024. Phases out between $100,000-$150,000 for singles and $200,000-$250,000 for joint filers.

  • SALT Deduction Limit: Raised to $40,000, phasing down for MAGI exceeding $500,000, maintaining a $10,000 minimum.

  • Super Retirement Catch Up: Enhanced limits for those aged 60-63 in qualified plans, promoting future financial security.

  • Child Tax Credit: Increased to $2,200 with a refundable portion of $1,700, phasing out at $400,000 MAGI for joint filers.

  • Adoption Credit: Improved to $17,280 with $5,000 refundable. Carry forward for 5 years if applicable.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Expanded limits for asset expensing, facilitating tax savings and capital investment.

  • Bonus Depreciation: Permanent 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets, aiding business investment decisions.

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Smart Tax Planning Alternatives

The choices you make regarding income and deductions can shape your immediate and future tax returns. Opportunities for strategic decisions include:

  • Installment Sales: Gain flexibility in reporting sales over time or in a lump sum, enhancing cash flow management.

  • Depreciation Options: Navigate between spreading deductions over years or claiming immediate relief through current year expensing.

Where to Begin

Proactive preparation benefits you when tax deadlines loom. Start organizing records as early as January. Secure documents in a reliable storage space and maintain this practice consistently. If you expect electronic source documents, print them unless advised otherwise. Here are additional preparation strategies:

  • Organize records by income and expense types, such as medical, mortgage, or charitable contributions. Completing tax organizers can help uncover potential deductions.

  • Highlight any foreign financial interests or inheritances. Proactively bringing these to our attention helps ensure compliance with reporting rules.

  • Stay informed about digital assets, including cryptocurrency, and prepare to report gains or losses accurately.

Staying on Point with Transactions

Understanding financial transactions can lead to special tax treatments, particularly in areas like:

  • Stocks or Property Sales: Document each transaction comprehensively.

  • Home Sales or Purchases: Special exclusions or credits may apply. Bring relevant documents to maximize leverage.

  • Energy-Efficient Investments: Qualifying enhancements can yield substantial credits, energizing your eco-friendly initiatives.

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Ensure Data Accuracy

Review personal and dependent information meticulously for file accuracy. Track changes in marital status and dependent circumstances.

By diligently preparing and leveraging these tax-saving opportunities, you position yourself to maximize benefits and minimize liabilities. As always, feel free to contact our Maitland tax office, serving the greater Orlando area, for personalized assistance or if you have specific queries about how these changes might impact you.

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