Tax Corner

Tax Filing Made Easier: What You Need to Know

With tax season underway, we want to make sure you have the tools and information you need to file with confidence and keep more of what you’ve earned.

This year, thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts passed by the House, taxpayers will see meaningful, targeted relief that can make a real difference for you and your family.

These reforms simplify the tax code, raise the standard deduction, expand key family tax credits, and eliminate taxes on certain income like overtime, helping you keep more of what you earn. Because these changes are retroactive, many Americans will also see larger refunds this tax season. 

These new tax breaks are reflected in the 2025 Schedule 1-A (Form 1040) and include:

Lower Taxes for Working Americans
  • 91% of Americans will pay no federal income tax on the first $31,500 they earn
  • Increased standard deduction:
    • $31,500 for families
    • $15,750 for individuals
  • Simplifies tax filing and reduces overall tax burden
Bigger Refunds This Tax Season
  • Families can expect about $1,000 more back this spring
  • A total of $91 billion is being returned to hardworking Americans
Support for Seniors
  • New tax deduction:
    • $6,000 for individuals
    • $12,000 for couples
  • Protects Social Security benefits so most seniors will not pay taxes on them
  • Provides greater financial stability for those on fixed incomes
Relief for Families
  • Child Tax Credit increased to $2,200 per child and indexed for inflation
  • Expanded Child and Dependent Care Credit covering up to 50% of costs
  • Increased flexible spending accounts up to $7,500
  • Adoption support with up to $5,000 refundable
  • Expanded paid family leave coverage
  • Introduction of Trump Accounts, giving families new tax-advantaged savings options to help plan for their children’s future
Tax Cuts for Workers
  • No tax on overtime pay: Workers who go the extra mile will keep more of what they earn
  • No tax on tips: servers, bartenders, and other tipped workers get to keep the income they earn directly from customers
Support for Farmers and Small Businesses
  • Preserves the Death Tax exemption
  • Helps protect family farms and small businesses from being forced to sell
  • Encourages investment in rural communities
  • Helps lower borrowing costs and strengthen local economies
What This Means for You

Simpler filing. Bigger refunds. Real relief for seniors, families, workers, and small businesses.

 

Free Resources are Available to Make Filing Easier:

If you earn $69,000 or less, you may qualify for no-cost tax preparation and e-filing through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where IRS-certified volunteers can help you maximize your return.

To find a VITA site near you, simply search by ZIP code using the IRS Site Locator.

If you run into delays or have questions about the filing process, please know our office is here to help.