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Maximize Year-End Tax Strategies for 2025

As we approach the end of the year and the festive season, it's crucial to keep an eye on strategic tax moves that can optimize your 2025 tax filing. Martinez & Shanken PLLC, renowned for their expertise in small business accounting and tax management, present you with essential year-end tax considerations.

Considerations for Non-Filers in 2025 - If your financial circumstances mean you aren’t required to file a return for 2025, leverage this by earning additional tax-free income. You might consider selling appreciated stock tax-free, or if eligible, taking a penalty-free IRA distribution. Additionally, filing may yield substantial refundable credits despite no filing obligation.

Strategizing with Lower Income - In a low-income year, contemplate converting some of your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. This conversion might be at a lower tax rate, making it financially savvy. Likewise, stocks with diminished value in your retirement account might be ideal candidates for conversion. Image 3

Education Credits for College Attendees - If eligible for the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning credits and your 2025 expenses haven’t reached the maximum credit limit, consider prepaying 2026 college tuition. This particularly benefits first-year college students with partial year expenses.

Selling Your Home - Home sales meeting the ownership and occupancy requirements may exclude gains up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) from taxation. Even without complete criteria fulfillment, partial exclusion might be possible for sales due to relocation or health-related reasons. Understanding your taxable gain and any exclusions is vital.

Optimize Your Employer Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - Ensure your 2025 and projected 2026 contributions align with upcoming medical expenses. The 2025 maximum is $3,300, with $660 carry-over permissible for early 2026 expenses.

Maximize Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions - If you gained HSA eligibility late in 2025, you could still make the full annual deductible contribution. These contributions offer tax deductions, deferred earnings, and tax-free qualified expense distributions.

Retirement Contributions - Maximize your 401(k) or other retirement plan contributions before year-end. Failure to do so means missing out on tax-advantaged saving opportunities. Explore your employer’s match policies for additional benefits. Image 1

IRA Opportunities for Non-Working Spouses - Non-working spouses can contribute to an IRA based on the working spouse’s income, even if that precludes them from direct contributions due to income limits.

Enhanced Catch-Up Contributions for Ages 60-64 - From 2025, individuals aged 60 to 64 can make catch-up contributions to retirement plans at increased limits, significantly enhancing last-minute retirement savings.

Deferred Income and Bonus Considerations - For expected end-of-year bonuses, if deferral fits your tax situation, coordinate with your employer to shift these payments to the next year.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) - Those aged 73 and up must navigate RMDs effectively, ensuring 2025 distributions occur without incurring penalties. Inherited retirement accounts have similar requirements from 2025 onwards.

Managing Declined Stock Values - Identify stocks with losses and consider selling to offset capital gains. Ensure compliance with wash sale rules to avoid deduction disqualification.

Leverage Low Income with Appreciated Stocks - Selling appreciated stocks in a low-income year might benefit from a 0% capital gains rate if income thresholds apply.

State and Local Tax Prepayments - The SALT cap is raised to $40,000 in 2025, offering an opportunity for strategic prepayments on state and property taxes to maximize itemized deductions.

Planned Charitable Giving - If alternating between standard and itemized deductions, consider prepaying 2026 contributions in 2025 for enhanced deduction impact. Note the upcoming 0.5% charitable deduction floor starting in 2026.

IRA Charitable Contributions - For those over 70½, direct charitable transfers from IRAs provide tax-efficient philanthropic opportunities, decreasing taxable income and potentially lowering Social Security and credit-related impacts.

Addressing Medical Expenses - Reflect on medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI for deduction opportunities, considering prepayment using credit carefully if favorable.

Annual Gift Tax Optimization - The 2025 gift tax exclusion is $19,000 per individual annually, allowing strategic gifting without tax implications.

Ensure Sufficient Withholding - Safeguard against under-withholding penalties by ensuring compliance with safe harbor guidelines for tax prepayments, especially with atypical income scenarios or liabilities forecasted.

Disaster and Casualty Loss Deductions - Unreimbursed losses from 2025's federally declared disasters offer further tax handling choices.

Scam Loss Deductions - Considerations for deducting scam losses related to investment endeavors exist, offering relief within certain constraints.

Tax Implications of Divorce or Separation - New marital status demands strategic filing choices. Decisions regarding dependents, deductions, and filing status must be evaluated.

Grasp Energy Tax Credits Before 2025 Expiration - Window closes soon for many energy-efficient upgrades and vehicle credits. Home modification and solar credits for 2025 remain valuable. Image 2

For further personalized advice, feel free to contact Martinez & Shanken PLLC in Gilbert, AZ. Our expertise in small business accounting and tax is designed to support your year-end planning with precision.

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1560 W Warner Rd Suite 200
Gilbert, Arizona 85233
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