5 Steps to Prepare for the 2025 Tax Season with Northwest Accounting & Tax Service
Tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right steps, you can reduce stress, stay organized, and even maximize your refund. At Northwest Accounting & Tax Service in Vancouver, WA, we’re here to help you navigate the process with expert guidance and personalized support.
Whether you’re an individual or small business owner, this guide will help you get ready for the 2025 tax season (filing for 2024 income).
Table of Contents
- Gather Your Tax Documents Early
- Organize Income and Expenses
- Review Tax Law Changes
- Choose the Right Filing Method
- Plan Your Filing Timeline
- Why Choose Northwest Accounting & Tax Service?
- Meet Our Expert Team
- Client Testimonials
- Don’t Forget to Check Out Our Newsletter
- Get Started Today
1. Gather Your Tax Documents Early
Start by collecting all necessary tax documents as they arrive. Missing forms can cause delays or errors, so keep everything organized with a physical folder, digital folder, or our secure client portal.
Key Documents to Gather:
- Income Forms: W-2s for employees, 1099s for freelancers or contractors.
- Investment Records: 1099-B (capital gains/losses) and 1099-DIV (dividends).
- New This Year: 1099-DA for cryptocurrency transactions.
- Expense Receipts: Medical bills, charitable donations, and education expenses.
- Property Records: Information on rental properties, home purchases, or sales.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder for early February to follow up with employers or providers if forms are missing.
2. Organize Income and Expenses
Properly organizing your income and expenses is essential, especially for small business owners and self-employed individuals.
How to Stay Organized
- Use tools like QuickBooks, Expensify, or simple spreadsheets.
- Separate business and personal expenses. Keeping them mixed can complicate your filing.
Common Deductible Categories
- Home Office Expenses: If you work remotely, this deduction can save you money.
- Charitable Contributions: Keep records of all donations.
- Medical Expenses: Eligible out-of-pocket costs may be deductible if they exceed a certain threshold.
A small business owner recently saved significantly by correctly tracking mileage and home office deductions. Tools and organized records make all the difference.
3. Review Tax Law Changes
Tax laws change every year, and understanding the updates can help you avoid surprises and take advantage of new opportunities.
Key Changes for 2024 to Watch For:
- Adjustments to tax brackets and standard deduction amounts.
- Updates to credits like the Child Tax Credit or education credits.
- New deduction limits, such as retirement contribution thresholds.
Staying informed is crucial. At Northwest Accounting & Tax Service, our professionals stay up-to-date on tax law changes and how they may affect you.
4. Choose the Right Filing Method
We offer multiple filing options to fit your needs. Choose what works best for you:
- In-Person Appointments: Perfect for new clients or those with complex financial situations. Face-to-face meetings allow for tailored advice and detailed reviews.
- Secure Online Filing: Returning clients can upload documents via our secure client portal for fast, convenient service.
- Document Drop-Off: Drop off your documents at our office, and we’ll notify you when your return is ready to review and sign.
Note: For accuracy and compliance, we may still require an in-person follow-up regardless of the filing method you choose.
5. Plan Your Filing Timeline
Procrastination adds unnecessary stress. Stay on track with this timeline:
- January: Collect tax documents as they arrive.
- February 1: Have all your paperwork organized and ready.
- February 3: Appointments for tax preparation begin.
- Mid-January–April 15: Filing opens. The IRS deadline is April 15, 2025.
Why File Early?
- Faster refunds if you’re owed money.
- Lower risk of identity theft since fraudulent returns typically target late filers.
Why Choose Northwest Accounting & Tax Service?
At Northwest Accounting & Tax Service, we offer:
- Comprehensive Services: From simple individual returns to complex business filings.
- Helpful Resources: Tools for tracking refunds, securely uploading documents, and staying informed.
- Flexible Scheduling: Open Monday through Saturday during tax season.
- Trusted Results: We’re committed to accurate, timely, and personalized service.
Meet Our Expert Team
At Northwest Accounting & Tax Service, our experienced professionals are here to guide you every step of the way:
- Suzanne Clem, EA, LTC: With over 20 years of experience, Suzanne specializes in tax planning and preparation for individuals and small businesses.
- Janelle Baker, AFSP: Known for her attention to detail and precision, Janelle ensures your returns are thorough and accurate.
- Niki Becker, EA, LTC: Niki excels in managing complex tax situations for both individuals and businesses, helping clients navigate every challenge.
- Lewis Gerhardt: Now in his second year as a tax preparer, Lewis brings dedication and a fresh perspective to the team.
Our team’s commitment to professionalism, accuracy, and personalized service is what sets us apart.
Client Testimonials
Our clients’ experiences say it all:
“We had a great experience working with the folks at Northwest Accounting & Tax Service! They were patient with all of our questions and walked us through every step. We’ll definitely be coming back next year.”
— Maegan S.
“We love Northwest Accounting and Tax Service—Janelle is the best! We can count on her to find every possible write-off.”
— Jodi Sparkman
“Northwest Accounting & Tax Service handled our complicated tax situation with professionalism and care. We felt confident everything was accurate and have been happy customers for years!”
— Curt & Sherry Esch
Don’t Forget to Check Out Our Newsletter!
For the latest updates and office news, take a look at our newest newsletter.
Get Started Today
Ready to make this tax season stress-free? Contact us today:
- Phone: (360) 694-8206
- Email: nwatax@parse.atomanager.com
- Schedule an Appointment: Visit our Portal
Early preparation means less stress and more opportunities to maximize your refund. Don’t wait—schedule your appointment now!