Tax season has officially wrapped up, and now is the perfect time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Whether you were scrambling for receipts, surprised by what you owed, or frustrated by missed opportunities, there’s a lot you can do now to set yourself up for a smoother, smarter filing experience next year.

Instead of filing and forgetting, take time to evaluate your process and create a proactive tax strategy for the months ahead. Below are five smart, actionable steps you can take today to make next tax season more efficient, less stressful, and potentially more profitable.

Review Your Tax Return for Missed Deductions

Before you archive your tax return and move on, give it one more careful review. Ask yourself: Did I take advantage of all the deductions available to me?

Common deductions that taxpayers frequently overlook include:

• Home office expenses (if you qualify)

• Charitable contributions (especially non-cash donations)

• Mileage for business or medical travel

• Self-employment expenses

• Education or training costs

• Retirement contributions

If you find that you missed any of these, make a note for next year—and keep better records going forward. Also consider whether your tax preparer asked you the right questions or if you might benefit from a more proactive tax partner.

In some cases, if a significant deduction was missed, you may be able to file an amended return (using IRS Form 1040-X) to claim your refund. It's worth a quick check.

Organize Your Financial Records Now—Not Next April

If you found yourself digging through old emails or boxes of receipts at the last minute, you're not alone. But letting that chaos repeat year after year only leads to unnecessary stress and missed opportunities.

Take the time now to implement a simple recordkeeping system. Here are a few ideas:

• Use cloud-based accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks to track business income and expenses.

• Scan and upload all receipts into a digital folder labeled by month or category.

• Create a dedicated “2025 Taxes” folder to drop in W-2s, 1099s, and other tax documents as they arrive.

• Use a mileage tracker app if you drive for business purposes.

Keeping organized financial records year-round not only makes tax filing easier but also helps you stay audit-ready should the IRS come calling.

Consider Hiring a Tax Professional for 2025

Filing on your own can work for simple tax situations, but if you’re self-employed, run a business, invest in real estate, or have multiple income streams, hiring a professional is one of the best investments you can make.

A qualified tax advisor does more than file your return—they help you plan throughout the year. That means:

• Identifying deductions and credits you may not be aware of

• Ensuring your estimated payments or withholdings are accurate

• Strategizing retirement contributions to maximize tax savings

• Helping you avoid IRS red flags or penalties

Plus, tax professionals stay on top of IRS updates and tax law changes, so you don’t have to. If this year’s filing felt confusing or costly, it’s time to have a conversation with a trusted tax advisor now—before year-end planning season kicks in.

Should You Adjust Your Withholding or Estimated Payments?

One of the most common surprises for taxpayers is owing more than expected—or getting a refund that’s far too large. Either situation suggests that your withholdings or estimated payments may not be aligned with your actual tax liability.

Here’s what to consider:

• If you received a large refund, you’re essentially giving the government an interest-free loan. You might benefit from adjusting your W-4 to increase your take-home pay.

• If you owed more than expected or faced penalties, you may need to increase your withholdings or make quarterly estimated payments, especially if you're self-employed or earn freelance income.

Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator tool to see if your current settings are accurate. If not, submit a new W-4 to your employer or adjust your estimated tax payments using Form 1040-ES.

This small step can prevent bigger headaches down the road—and it’s especially useful to do mid-year, before your tax situation gets away from you again.

Set Up a Tax Savings Plan for Next Year

If writing a big check to the IRS caught you off guard this year, now’s the time to start saving proactively for 2025. Setting aside money regularly can relieve stress and ensure you're never scrambling when tax bills are due.

Here’s how to build a simple tax savings plan:

• Open a dedicated savings account labeled “Tax Reserve”

• Estimate your tax liability based on this year’s return and divide it into monthly savings goals

• Automatically transfer a percentage of each paycheck or business income into the account

For business owners and freelancers, aim to set aside 25–30% of your net income. And don’t forget that quarterly tax payments are due in April, June, September, and January. Setting up reminders on your calendar can keep you on track.

Even if your income fluctuates, consistently setting aside funds for taxes makes the process more manageable—and protects your cash flow.

Take Control of Next Year’s Tax Season—Starting Now

It’s easy to breathe a sigh of relief once your return is filed and move on. But the smartest taxpayers use this moment to reflect, recalibrate, and plan ahead.

By reviewing your return, organizing your records, adjusting your withholdings, and working with a tax professional, you can dramatically improve your tax outcome next year—and reduce your stress in the process.

Need help putting a plan in place? At Bernstein Tax Group, we specialize in year-round tax strategy, business planning, and personalized advice to help you make every tax season more successful than the last. Let’s chat about how we can help you turn this year’s lessons into next year’s wins.

👋 Ready to get proactive about your 2025 tax plan? Schedule a free consultation with our team today.