Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

Get Ready for Tax Season: Essential Insights for 2025

As the tax season approaches, those who run small businesses or manage personal finances know the importance of gathering all necessary documents for your tax consultation. Your preparation levels throughout the year directly affect the seamlessness of this process. Whether you consult in person, via videoconference, or by phone, being thoroughly prepared allows us more leeway to:

  • Identify all potential legal deductions,

  • Select the optimal income reporting strategies and deductions tailored to your circumstances,

  • Review any changes in legislation that might impact your tax obligations, and

  • Discuss tax-planning options to help mitigate future liabilities.

What's New for 2025? – Due to changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), new provisions include:

  • No Tax on Tips: This allows for a deduction of up to $25,000 for skilled tip-receiving positions, with a phase-out beginning at $150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers. Employers must report these on W-2s, or for 2025, they can provide a separate statement.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Deductions are available up to $12,500 ($25,000 for married filers) on overtime rates above the standard pay rate. Example—overtime rate: $30, standard rate: $20, leading to a deductible $10 per overtime-hour worked.

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 on interest from loans tied to new personal-use vehicles that meet certain conditions.

  • SALT Deduction Limit: The state and local tax deduction limit increased to $40,000 but phases down starting at $500,000 MAGI.

The Super Retirement Catch Up also saw limits increased for those 60 to 63 years old. 2025 changes include an $11,250 enhanced catch-up for this age group, plus new benefits for Child Tax Credits and Adoption Credits under the OBBBA.

Image 3

Optimizing Tax Decisions involves exploring different methods for income and deduction handling, influencing current and future returns. Topics to evaluate:

  • Sales of Property: Choose between reporting full gains at the sale or over time.

  • Depreciation: Choose between expensing investments immediately or depreciating over time.

Where to Begin: Start organizing your tax documents in January. Set up a secure place to store ongoing receipts and electronically generated documents—printing these may be advised.

  • Categorize records by income and expenses, use an organizer, or questionnaire, and note foreign financial dealings and digital currency transactions for compliance and reporting.

Detailed Accuracy is crucial. Ensure personal information is current, anticipating any changes in marital status or dependents, and be prepared for specific transactions like stock sales, property, and gift dealings. Explore the tax impacts of Home Sales and property improvements for potential exclusions on gains.

When purchasing vehicles or engaging in Energy-Efficient Home Modifications, document qualifications for any respective credits. In cases of identity theft or business car use, follow guidelines to protect and accurately report tax information.

Contact Bryant CPA LLC for more information on tax planning and deductions, ensuring both compliance and strategic financial benefits. If you have questions about your preparation, reach out well in advance for tailored guidance.

Image 2

Share this article...
Bryant CPA, LLC Hello there. How can we help?
Welcome to TaxBot. Your smart tax assistant, simplifying deductions and maximizing returns.
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully