As the 2025 tax year comes to a close, there’s still plenty you can do to improve your refund and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer, small business owner, or living abroad as a US expat, simple year-end tax moves can make a major difference in your savings.
Why You Should Think About Year-End Tax Moves Now
With IRS deadlines fast approaching, it’s important to act before December 31st. Planning ahead means you can take full advantage of new tax rules, capture the best deductions, and set yourself up for a bigger refund when you file. Tax laws are updated every year, especially under acts like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, so early preparation is essential for getting the most out of US tax preparation services
Practical Tax Moves for Individuals
The smartest way to save is to stay organized. Simple record-keeping can help you spot extra deductions and avoid missed opportunities. Many people don’t realize that tracking medical bills, education expenses, or even moving costs throughout the year often leads to unexpected savings at tax time.
If you haven’t already contributed to retirement accounts, consider maximizing your 401(k) or IRA now. These moves not only secure your future but also shrink your taxable income, putting more money back in your pocket. Working with an accredited accountant ensures you maximize available credits—like those for educational expenses or child care—that are easy to overlook in a rushed filing.
As the deadline draws near, review your investments. Offsetting capital gains with wisely-timed losses (a strategy called tax-loss harvesting) can further increase your refund. Utilizing proper small business and individual tax planning ensures you don’t leave money on the table.
Tax Saving Tips for Small Business Owners
Small business owners—especially freelancers and gig workers—have unique opportunities to reduce year-end taxes. If your business needs new computers, office furniture, or software, make those purchases before December 31 to secure deductions on this year’s return. Similarly, if your cash flow allows, consider pre-paying rent or utility bills.
Strategic income deferral can also help: by waiting to issue invoices or accept payments until January, your taxable income for this year may decrease. Of course, you should track all business-related expenses, including home office costs and mileage, to maximize every allowable write-off. You can explore the full range of options through our resources on self-employed and freelancer tax services.
Game-Changing Moves for US Expats
Filing as a US expat comes with special rules—and extra opportunities if you know where to look. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can shield a large amount of your foreign earnings from US taxation if you qualify. You should also check if you’re required to file Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBAR) and comply with FATCA, as penalties for missing these are steep.
Tax treaties and foreign tax credits can also prevent double-taxation, making the process less stressful. Even with these complex requirements, US citizens living abroad can count on our expat tax filing solutions for easy online filing and personalized support at every step.
Don’t Miss the New Rules: One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Tax law changes every year, and 2025 has brought the impactful One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which affects deduction limits, credits, and filing rules for both individuals and businesses. For example, the standard deduction and the child tax credit have increased, while there are expanded options for contributing to retirement and health savings accounts. To see how these changes may impact you, our latest
IRS tax update summary breaks down what’s new so you can adjust your plans with confidence.
Top Tax Mistakes to Avoid at Year-End
It’s surprisingly easy to make a costly error as the holiday season gets busy. The most common mistakes include:
- Missing important deductions by not tracking expenses during the year.
- Failing to file on time and incurring late penalties.
- Using the wrong filing status after a divorce, marriage, or major life change.
- Overlooking new legislation that changes which expenses are deductible.
- Delaying tax prep, leading to rushed filings and missed savings.
Rather than risk lost money or stress, many filers now use secure, IRS-authorized e-filing platforms, which reduce errors and guarantee faster refunds.
How Pro Tax Return Makes Tax Filing Easy and Profitable
At ProTaxReturn, our mission is simple: remove your tax stress, maximize your refund, and help you avoid mistakes. Starting now gives you more time to gather the right documents and ask expert questions, leading to a smoother experience and bigger savings.
How It Works:
When you file US taxes online, our streamlined platform walks you through only the questions you need, then pairs you with a real, accredited accountant for review. This personal approach means you always have someone to answer questions, review your documents, and adapt your strategy based on your needs.
We serve thousands in New York, New Jersey, California, Texas, and expats in over 180 countries. Our IRS e-file success rate tops 99.9%, and clients consistently rate our affordable tax services as excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline for year-end tax moves in 2025?
Most moves must be made by December 31st, like retirement contributions or deductible business expenses. Federal returns are due April 15, 2026.
Can I file taxes online and still get live expertise?
Absolutely. Our system combines digital convenience with one-on-one expert help, so you never have to choose between speed and accuracy.
I’m a US expat. Can you help with both the IRS and HMRC?
Yes. You can count on our expat services for full support across both agencies.
Do you offer special support for small businesses and freelancers?
Yes—our business tax solutions cover home office deductions, 1099s, and more.
Time to Take Action!
There’s no need to wait. Whether you’re hoping to maximize tax deductions, navigate new IRS rules, or simply file your return with confidence, a few smart moves today can ensure a larger refund and less stress in 2026.
Start your secure, online filing with Pro Tax Return, or connect for a consultation on pricing and services. For questions or tailored support, simply reach out through our contact page.
