Preparing for Tax Season: Essential Strategies for 2025

With tax season fast approaching, many taxpayers are beginning to amass their financial documents in anticipation of their tax appointments. Whether you're meeting face-to-face, through a videoconference, or via a phone call, your level of preparedness will directly impact the process's efficiency and thoroughness. Your readiness not only guarantees a seamless tax return preparation but also allows for more thorough exploration of key areas such as:

  • Maximizing all available deductions legally.

  • Analyzing income reporting methods that best suit your unique situation.

  • Understanding the impact of law changes on your tax status.

  • Discussing tax-planning strategies to mitigate future liabilities.

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

  • No Tax on Tips: Qualified cash tips can now be deducted up to $25,000 for those in customary tipping occupations. This benefit phases out as AGI exceeds certain thresholds—$150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: You can now deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) of overtime pay. This deduction phases out over specified MAGI limits.

  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Interest on loans for new personal-use vehicles assembled in the U.S. is deductible up to $10,000, phasing out at higher income levels.

  • SALT Deduction Limit: The state and local tax (SALT) deduction limit has increased to $40,000, with reductions for higher-income taxpayers.

  • Super Retirement Catch-Up: Enhanced catch-up contribution limits benefit those aged 60 to 63, increasing to the greater of $10,000 or 50% more than the standard amount.

  • Child Tax Credit: The credit has been increased to $2,200 per child, with specific income phase-out levels.

  • Adoption Credit: A refundable segment has been added to the adoption credit, with adjusted limits set for 2025 and 2026.

  • Section 179 Expensing: Businesses can now immediately expense qualifying assets, with enhanced limits for 2025.

  • Bonus Depreciation: A permanent 100% bonus depreciation allows businesses to fully write off qualifying assets placed in service.

  • Research or Experimental Expenditures: Domestic expenditures are now fully deductible, although foreign expenses continue to be amortized.

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Strategic Tax Planning Choosing the right method for handling income and deductions is critical and can impact both the present and future tax years. Considered choices include:

  • Sales of Property: You can elect to report the gain in the year of sale or over time as payments are received.

  • Depreciation: Options include spreading the cost over several years or immediate expensing in certain cases.

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Getting Started Begin organizing your tax documents in January. Designate a secure location for your records and start categorizing them as they are received. If your documentation comes electronically, consult with us about whether to print them.

General suggestions include:

  • Organize documents by income and expense category and complete any provided organizers or questionnaires thoroughly.

  • Flag any significant foreign financial activity to ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

  • Continue to keep cryptocurrency records updated, as the IRS is monitoring these transactions closely.

  • Include all health insurance documents, keeping an eye out for Form 1095-A from the marketplace, or 1095-B/1095-C from employers.

  • Ensure W-2s, 1099s, and K-1s are separately filed and ready for review.

  • Prepare any questions you might have, comparing last year's returns to this year's figures.

  • Verify dependents' Social Security numbers to avert deductions or credit denials.

  • Audit this year's deductions against the previous year's to ensure complete reporting.

Attention to Detail Review personal data for precision, including names, addresses, and identifiers. Major changes such as marital status should be documented and brought for review, including related legal agreements.

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Special Considerations Certain transactions need special handling:

  • Sales of Stock or Property: Document all sales with comprehensive purchase and sale records.

  • Gifted or Inherited Property: Establish original purchase details from estate documents or executors.

  • Energy-Related Expenditures: Ensure eligibility for any credits involving home energy modifications or electric vehicle purchases.

  • Identity Theft: Notify us immediately if you suspect your identity has been compromised, as IRS procedures need to be followed.

  • Business Vehicle Use: Maintain separate logs for each vehicle utilized for business purposes.

  • Charitable Donations: Substantiate all contributions with records or receipts to comply with IRS requirements.

If you've experienced any unusual events affecting your tax return, contact us for advice on the necessary documentation. At Dixson Tax Resolution Services LLC, our mission is to replace your uncertainty with strategic action and resolve. We are here to support, examine, and propose actionable solutions, ensuring your tax season is controlled, compliant, and less stressful.

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