Blog

Gain Clarity. Embrace Simplicity. Empower Your Finances.

Prepare for Tax Season: It's Approaching Faster Than You Think

Tax season is approaching swiftly, and like many taxpayers, you might find yourself dreading the annual task of organizing financial records for your tax preparation meeting — whether held face-to-face, via videoconference, or over the phone. The ease of this process largely depends on the organization of your tax documents throughout the year. Regardless of how diligently you maintained your records, arriving prepared for your tax return preparation ensures we can dedicate more time to:

  • Identifying every eligible deduction,

  • Analyzing the most beneficial income reporting strategies and deductions specific to your financial scenario,

  • Inspecting recent legislative amendments impacting your tax obligations, and

  • Discussing tax-planning alternatives that might minimize your future tax liabilities.

Changes in 2025 – This year, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) ushers in several significant modifications:

  • No Tax on Tips: A deduction of up to $25,000 for eligible cash tips in typical tip-receiving jobs, phasing out above $150,000 AGI for singles and $300,000 for joint filers, decreasing by $100 for every $1,000 over the threshold. This applies to itemizers and those filing with a standard deduction. Employers will record qualifying tips on W-2s, or for 2025 only, issue a detailed separate statement.

  • No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) for overtime exceeding the regular rate, phasing out above $150,000 MAGI for singles and $300,000 for joint filers, by $100 for every $1,000 above. Available to all filers.

    Example:
    Overtime Hourly Rate: $30.00
    Regular Hourly Rate:
    Deductible Amount: $10.00 per overtime hour

  • Image 3
  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 on interest from loans taken post-2024 for new personal-use vehicles made in the USA, excluding family loans and non-personal vehicles. Deduction phases out for incomes between $100,000-$150,000 for singles, $200,000-$250,000 for joint filers.

  • SALT Deduction Limit: The SALT deduction cap has risen to $40,000 from $10,000, albeit phasing down starting at $500,000 MAGI, with a floor of $10,000.

At GeneralCents Accounting, we recognize that tax season can be daunting, especially for business owners. We offer strategic, tech-savvy solutions designed to transform financial chaos into clarity, empowering you to make informed business decisions.

To ensure a smooth tax preparation process, consider beginning your record organization in January. Establish a secure file location for important documents as they arrive. Keep digital and physical records well-organized by categories such as income, expenses, and deductions.

  • Ensure you segregate your records according to income and expense types, maintaining envelopes or folders for medical receipts, mortgage interest, charitable donations, etc. If provided with an organizer, fill it carefully to catch all potential deductions.

  • Highlight any international financial affiliations, such as foreign accounts or trusts, to determine if special reporting is necessary. Severe penalties may apply for non-disclosure.

  • Pay close attention to cryptocurrency transactions, as the IRS is reinforcing compliance on digital assets. Cryptocurrency gains or losses must be reported like stocks, with new Form 1099-DA for broker transactions.

  • If you received health insurance through a government marketplace, include Form 1095-A for tax credit assessments. Employer-issued forms 1095-B or 1095-C should also accompany your submission.

Accuracy remains paramount; verify all personal data such as addresses and Social Security numbers, as these can critically impact deductions and credits.

Image 1

Any significant life changes or unusual transactions this year should prompt proactive accounting advice to gather the necessary documentation. If confusion or questions arise while organizing your tax data, reach out for personalized assistance.

Share this article...