Year-End Tax Wrap-Up: How to File Smarter, Not Harder
As 2025 winds down, now is the perfect moment to tighten up your tax strategy, reduce surprises, and maximize your refund or minimize what you owe. A smart year-end review isn’t just good practice—it’s one of the simplest ways to stay ahead financially.
Here’s your UCS Year-End Tax Playbook to finish strong and enter 2026 fully prepared.
1. Review Key Deductions Before December 31
Certain deductions are time-sensitive—meaning if you don’t make the move before year-end, the opportunity is gone until next year. This includes: – Charitable contributions (cash + non-cash) – Medical expenses if they exceed 7.5% of AGI – Mortgage interest + property taxes (within SALT limits) – Business expenses you plan to write off for 2025
If you’re a business owner or 1099 contractor, consider accelerating deductible expenses now to reduce taxable income.
2. Max Out Retirement Contributions
This is one of the most powerful tax moves you can make. 2025 contribution limits: – 401(k): $23,500 (+$7,500 catch-up if 50+) – Traditional IRA / Roth IRA: $7,500 (+$1,000 catch-up if 50+)
A strategically funded IRA or Roth IRA now sets you up for stronger wealth building in 2026.
3. Perform a Capital Gains Check-Up
If your investments grew this year, now is the time to: – Offset gains with losses (tax-loss harvesting) – Review opportunities to rebalance – Confirm unrealized gains before triggering unnecessary taxes
If you sold stocks, real estate, or digital assets in 2025, document everything now instead of scrambling later.
4. Verify Your Credits & Eligibility
Overlooked credits cost taxpayers thousands every year. Review: – Child Tax Credit – Education credits (AOTC, LLC) – Saver’s Credit – Energy efficiency home credits – EV purchase credits
A quick review with a professional avoids missing out on free money.
5. Back-Tax Check: Fix 1–3 Years of Unfiled Returns
If anything from the last 3 years is missing, incorrect, or needs amending, December is the ideal month to get back on track.
📌 Offer in Compromise Intake Form: https://ucsinv1.com/irs-offer-in-compromise
6. Gather, Organize & Prepare for January
Before W2s, 1099s, and brokerage forms arrive, start preparing by collecting: – Bank statements – Receipts – Pay stubs – Investment statements – Business logs – Mileage records – Crypto trading reports
This alone cuts tax prep time in half.
Final Thought
The smartest taxpayers don’t wait until February—they tighten their strategy before the year ends. Let’s finish 2025 with precision and enter filing season with confidence.
📌 Free Tax & Wealth Guide: https://ucsinv1.com/free-tax-wealth-guide 📌 Offer in Compromise Intake: https://ucsinv1.com/irs-offer-in-compromise
