Prepare for Tax Changes: What You Need to Know for 2025

As the tax season swiftly approaches, it’s essential to address the often-dreaded task of organizing your financial documents. Whether you're meeting your tax advisor in person, via video call, or phone, the effectiveness of your preparation will significantly impact the value and efficiency of your tax consultation. Regardless of how meticulous you’ve been with your records, thorough preparation allows us to:

  • Ensure you claim every permissible deduction.

  • Analyze the most suitable income reporting methods and deductions for your specific circumstances.

  • Stay ahead of recent legislative changes affecting your tax position.

  • Discuss strategies to potentially minimize your future tax obligations.

New for 2025 Tax Year – Changes brought by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) are reshaping several tax provisions. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Tip Income Deductions: Qualifying cash tips from traditional tip-based professions can be deducted up to $25,000. This deduction phases out at an AGI over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers). Employers will report this on the W-2 or provide a separate statement.

  • Overtime Pay Deductions: Deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) for overtime exceeding your regular pay rate.

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  • Vehicle Loan Interest: Up to $10,000 in interest paid on personal-use vehicle loans, secured in the U.S., is deductible. This excludes family and non-personal vehicles.

  • State and Local Tax (SALT) Deductions: The itemized SALT deduction cap raised to $40,000. This is notable for property owners in high-tax states.

  • Retirement Contributions: Boost your retirement savings with elevated catch-up contribution limits for those aged 60-63.

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  • Child and Adoption Tax Credits: Enhanced benefits for families, with increased credits for child dependents and adoption.

  • Expensing and Depreciation: 100% bonus depreciation has been made permanent, prompting immediate write-offs for qualifying asset purchases.

Proactive Tax Management – Careful planning and documentation can yield substantial benefits. Key considerations include:

  • Property Sales: Understand installment sales versus lump-sum reporting to enhance financial outcomes.

  • Asset Depreciation: Evaluate immediate expensing versus traditional depreciation methods.

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Preparing Documentation – Initiating your preparation in January can ease the burden:

  • Organize records by category—medical expenses, mortgage interest, charitable donations, etc., to streamline consultations.

  • Highlight foreign accounts or anything requiring special attention.

  • Be aware of digital asset transactions; brokers will now report these on the new Form 1099-DA.

  • Review annual income statements like W-2s, 1099s, and K-1s separately for clarity.

Ensure Accuracy – Keep your personal information updated and meticulously verify changes:

  • Report personal changes like marriage or loss for accurate filing.

  • Document qualifying dependents thoroughly.

  • Handle intricate transactions with special care to ensure proper treatment.

Your meticulous preparation this tax season can transform a daunting process into an opportunity to optimize your financial strategies. Ensure you remain informed and equipped to leverage tax provisions to your advantage.

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