
Tax Tips
Tips from our owner Rick Behm on tax preparation.
Tax Tips from Rick
December 2024

As 2024 comes to an end, it is the beginning of the 2025 Income Tax filing season. We are in the office completing the required IRS training requirements, to keep up on the ever changing tax codes, updating all our forms and restocking our supplies for another very busy tax season. Last year with several area tax preparers retiring or closing their practices, we were overwhelmed with new clients. For the first time ever, we had to turn away many persons looking to get their taxes completed. We anticipate another busy year, so make sure you make your appointment early – don’t wait until the final weeks.
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Federal Income Tax:
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Tax filing deadline is Monday, April 15th, 2025
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Other important dates:
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​January 15th: 4th Quarter 2023 Individual Estimated Payment Due
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January 31st: Businesses – issue 1099s, W-2s and file W-3 and 1099-NECs
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March 17th: Partnership and S Corp 2023 Tax Returns are Due
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April 15th: IRA & HAS Contribution deadline for 2024
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April 15th: 1st 2025 Estimated Payment Due.
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Corporate Transparency Act : The BOIR reporting deadline has been delayed as the courts are ruling on a pending lawsuit. If you are a small corporation or LLC, you will likely be required to report your beneficial ownership information to FinCEN by January 1, 2025 for existing entities. More information available at www.fincen.gov/boi.
Changes to 1099-K reporting
Changes are in store for third-party settlement organizations, such as credit cards providers and mobile payment services and many gig workers (like Uber, Lift, Etsy,E-bay, etc)The new reporting threshold associated with Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions were reduced to:
For tax year 2024: 1099-K are required when total payments exceed $5,000.00 dollars, regardless on the number of such transactions.
For tax year 2025: 1099-K are required when total payments exceed $2,500.00 dollars, regardless on the number of such transactions.
Beginning in 2026: 1099-K are required when total payments exceed $600.00 dollars, regardless on the number of such transactions.
* No Minimum number of transactions for the year. (Was 2,000 transactions)
Note: The IRS recently moved these reporting changes to go into effect for tax year
2024, but some of you still might be receiving these new 1009-K this year.
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Educators Expense Deduction
The tax deduction for educators with classroom expenses remains at $300.
Make Payment to the IRS Directly Electronically.
You can now pay federal estimated tax payments, pay a balance due from a current or past due income tax return Totally Free at www.irs.gov/directpay .
Standard Mileage Rates for 2024
The standard mileage rates apply for business miles, medical, charitable, and moving expenses (for military personnel only).
Business miles: $0.67 - Medical/Moving $0.21 - Charitable: $0.14
Social Security beneficiaries will receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment of 2.5% in 2025 and Medicare Part B premiums will increase for most to $185.00 a month for most persons.
Up to $2,500 of Student Loan Interest is deductible:
If your income is below $95,000 for an individual ($155,000 for joint filers).
REMINDER: If you receive any correspondence letter from the IRS or State Taxing Authority, Please bring those complete letters to our office to review AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
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Wisconsin Income Tax:
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All Charitable Contributions go on federal Schedule A (same as federal)
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Investment Income limits for Earned Income Credits increases to $11,000 (same as federal) .EIC is only available for Married Filing Joint (MFJ) filers and under specific requirements, MFS.
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If Student Loan Forgiveness takes effect – the total amount forgiven is taxable Wisconsin income.(Non-taxable on federal income taxes).
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Wisconsin is asking for taxpayer’s email addresses (both spouse’s) if they wish to receive all Wisconsin Tax correspondence from Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
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Effective in 2023 – Capital Loss deduction increases to $3,000 per year (up from the current $500).
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Edvest or Tomorrow Scholar 529 Plans can subtract a maximum of $5,000 per student, $2,500 MFS or divorced parent.
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If IRS adjusts any tax return, you MUST notify WDR within 180 days of any adjustment that effects your Wisconsin Return.
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Illinois Income Tax
Illinois Personal Exemption Allowance for 2024 is $2,775.00
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The Illinois Tax Rate has not changed for 2024, it will remain at 4.95%