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.

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.

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.

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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