Prepare for the 2025 Tax Season: Key Updates and Tips

As tax season approaches, taxpayers face the annual task of organizing records to prepare for their tax filing obligations. The experience can vary greatly depending on how well you have maintained your financial records throughout the year. Regardless of your record-keeping prowess, being well-prepared provides us more opportunity to:

  • Assume you are eligible for all legal deductions.

  • Identify the most beneficial income reporting and deduction strategies.

  • Analyze changes in tax laws that may impact your tax liabilities.

  • Discuss strategic tax planning opportunities to potentially lower your future tax obligations.

What's New for 2025? – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has introduced several noteworthy changes:

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

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) of overtime pay exceeding the regular rate can be deducted, with phase-out based on MAGI.

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 interest on loans for qualifying U.S.-assembled vehicles, subject to income phase-outs.

  • SALT Deduction Limit: The SALT deduction cap has increased to $40,000, with phase-down for higher incomes.

  • Super Retirement Catch-Up: Enhanced catch-up contributions for individuals aged 60-63 starting in 2025.

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  • Child Tax Credit: Increased to $2,200 with partial refundability, subject to MAGI-based phase-out.

  • Adoption Credit: Increased and partially refundable with income-based phase-out.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Expanded limits for immediate expensing of qualifying assets, with targeted investment benefits for SMEs.

  • Bonus Depreciation: 100% bonus depreciation remains in effect, incentivizing immediate investment in machinery and equipment.

  • Research or Experimental Expenditures: U.S.-based research expenses now fully deductible, incentivizing innovation.

Choosing the Best Alternatives – Your approach to handling income and deductions can significantly affect both current and future tax returns. Key considerations include:

  • Sales of Property: Elections between different reporting methods can affect your financial strategy.

  • Depreciation: Strategic asset depreciation choices can provide upfront tax benefits.

Getting Started – Begin your tax preparation in January by organizing a secure location for your financial documents. Keep track of crucial details and anticipate potential paperwork to streamline your filing process. General preparation tips include:

  • Organize documents by income and expense categories, using file folders or envelopes.

  • Report foreign financial interests and transactions to avoid potential tax penalties.

  • Note cryptocurrency transactions, as these require specific reporting on Form 1099-DA.

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  • Include health insurance documents such as Form 1095-A and employer-provided coverage statements.

  • Ensure all necessary annual income statements are ready.

  • Compile questions or concerns to discuss during your tax appointment.

  • Verify Social Security numbers for dependents how deductions and credits rely on accuracy.

  • Look for any unfiled financial records that could affect your deductions.

  • Bring unknown documents for discussion during your tax prep session.

Detail Accuracy – Carefully review personal information to ensure accuracy across names, addresses, and Social Security numbers. Any change in marital status or dependent details should be recorded for clarity and compliance.

Ensure that correct handling of sales, capital gains, and losses are thoroughly documented for transactions, particularly with property sales and dividend reinvestments. For any transactions requiring special treatment, like significant property changes or energy credits, have documentation readily available.

Finally, prioritize keeping records of charitable donations with requisite details or receipts to ensure eligibility for deductions.

Need Help or Have Questions? If you've had unusual income or expenses this year, contact MJ Ahmed CPA PLLC for guidance on what documentation you’ll need. For any tax-related questions or assistance in organizing your records, reach out to us today.

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