This is a general educational guide, not tax advice. Tax rules are fact-specific and can change quickly—confirm how any item applies to you with your tax preparer before acting.

1) IRS refund checks are being phased out (paper refunds ending)

September 30, 2025, the IRS generally stopped issuing paper refund checks (limited hardship exceptions).

• If you want the smoothest refund experience, use direct deposit. IRS
• Future tax payments should also be made via the IRS online payment system instead of via check. IRS

2) “No Tax on Tips” deduction (2025–2028)

A new deduction is available for qualified tips (with eligibility limits and reporting rules). Key highlights:

• Up to $25,000 maximum annual deduction
• Phases out above $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 joint)
• Only applies to qualifying tipped occupations; IRS rules and transition relief apply IRS

3) “No Tax on Overtime” deduction (2025–2028)

A new deduction may apply to the overtime premium portion required under FLSA and properly reported.

• Up to $12,500 maximum annual deduction ($25,000 joint)
• Phases out above $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 joint) IRS

4) Clean vehicle credits end sooner than many people expect

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act accelerates the end of several clean vehicle credits:

• New (30D), Used (25E), and Commercial (45W) clean vehicle credits are not allowed for vehicles acquired after Sept. 30, 2025. IRS

5) Home energy credits also sunset at the end of 2025

Under the same law, these credits generally end for most taxpayers:

• 25C (Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit): not allowed for property placed in service after Dec. 31, 2025
• 25D (Residential Clean Energy Credit): not allowed for expenditures after Dec. 31, 2025 IRS

6) 1099s: get vendor info early (W-9s + totals)

If your business pays $600+ to non-employees in certain categories, you may need 1099 filings.

• Collect W-9s (legal name, address, tax classification)
• Confirm vendor totals are complete and correctly coded (especially attorneys/medical exceptions)
• Plan ahead for January deadlines (recipient copies due Jan. 31)

7) Form 1099-K: threshold returns to $20,000 and 200 transactions

The IRS confirmed the reporting threshold for Forms 1099-K reverts to:

• Over $20,000 in gross payments and
• More than 200 transactions IRS

8) 2025 standard deduction (federal)

For tax year 2025 (as updated under the new law):

• $31,500 — Married Filing Jointly
• $15,750 — Single (and MFS)
• $23,625 — Head of Household IRS

9) 2025 standard mileage rates

For 2025, the IRS standard mileage rates are:

• 70¢/mile business
• 21¢/mile medical
• 14¢/mile charitable IRS

10) Federal per diem (meals & incidentals): common M&IE totals

If you use federal per diem rules for substantiated business travel, GSA provides M&IE breakdown tables (common totals include $74 and $86 depending on locality). U.S. General Services Administration

11) Beware of social-media “refund hacks” (Fuel Tax Credit, sick/family leave, household employment, rental properties, etc)

The IRS continues to warn about misleading social media advice and increased enforcement around improper claims—especially the Fuel Tax Credit, rental properties, and certain credit-related schemes.

12) Missouri capital gains subtraction (effective 2025)

Missouri allows eligible individuals to subtract 100% of federally reported capital gains when determining Missouri adjusted gross income (effective for the 2025 tax year). Confirm eligibility details, sourcing rules, and entity-specific nuances with your tax preparer. Missouri Department of Revenue

13) Planning checklist for year-end and early 2026

• Confirm bank info is on file for IRS direct deposit (avoid refund friction). IRS
• If tips/overtime deductions might apply, make sure payroll/tax reporting is set up correctly before year-end.
• If you’re considering an EV/clean vehicle purchase, confirm timing and “acquired after” rules before closing.
• If you’re planning home efficiency/solar projects, confirm “placed in service” timing and documentation.
• For businesses: gather W-9s and finalize vendor totals early to avoid late or corrected 1099s.
• Don’t claim credits you saw on social media — verify eligibility first.