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Your Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the 2025 Tax Season

Tax season is swiftly approaching, and whether you're a seasoned filer or handling it for the first time, preparation can seem daunting. Effective preparation starts with thorough record-keeping throughout the year. Whether you’re meeting your accountant in person, via video conference, or by phone, ensuring you have everything in order will yield more time to:

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  • Optimize every eligible deduction.

  • Select income reporting methods and deductions best suited to you.

  • Analyze impacts of current law changes on your tax situation.

  • Consider tax-planning strategies to minimize future liabilities.

Key Changes for 2025 – The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces significant changes this year, including:

  • No Tax on Tips: Receive a deduction up to $25,000 for qualified cash tips in tip-based positions, phasing out past certain AGI levels. It's available to both standard and itemized filers.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Deduct overtime pay exceeding regular rates, with limits for singles and joint filers. Ensure to track deductions per overtime hour worked.

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  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 in interest for new personal-use vehicle loans post-2024.

  • Increased SALT Deduction Limit: The limit for state and local taxes (SALT) deductions increased to $40,000.

  • Enhanced Super Retirement Catch-Up: Higher catch-up contributions for those aged 60-63 to qualified plans, boosting retirement savings.

  • Child Tax Credit Expanded: Now $2,200 with a refundable portion, adjusting to MAGI limits.

  • Adoption Credit Adjustments: Refundable portions added, with phased adjustments for inflating values.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Immediate expense options for qualifying assets, enhancing immediate tax savings for businesses.

  • Permanent 100% Bonus Depreciation: Businesses can capitalize on immediate deductions for qualifying assets, aiding cash flow.

Where to Begin – Start tax preparation early, preferably in January. Establish a safe, consistent storage method for records. For electronic documents, a printed copy is preferred unless advised otherwise. General organization tips include:

  • Seperate records into income and expense categories to streamline the process.

  • Highlight any dealings involving foreign financial interests for special reporting requirements.

  • Note digital asset transactions, as brokers must report these under new Form 1099-DA.

  • Include all health insurance documentation, especially Form 1095-A from marketplace purchases.

Ensure Detail Accuracy – Check all personal information for accuracy to avoid errors on your return. Consider any changes in marital status or dependents throughout the year and be prepared with necessary documentation.

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Transactions Requiring Special Attention – Certain transactions, such as sales of stocks or property, need detailed records for reporting. Be sure to list each transaction with the pertinent details.

If you’ve had an unusual transaction or event this year, reach out to us for guidance on proper documentation. And as always, should you have questions assembling your tax data, our firm is ready to assist.

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