How to Prepare for Tax Season 2025: Your Solid Guide from Solid Dollar Tax Services

“Preparation is the key to success — especially during tax season.”

At Solid Dollar Tax Services, we believe the best way to maximize your refund, avoid delays, and feel confident about your taxes is to start before the season even begins.

Whether you’re a returning client or filing for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know and do before the IRS officially opens for filing in 2025.

 Step 1: Update Your W-4 — The Most Overlooked Step

Your W-4 is the form you give your employer to determine how much federal income tax gets withheld from your paychecks.

Why It Matters:

• Too little withheld = Owing the IRS during tax season

• Too much withheld = Overpaying taxes and waiting for a refund

• A wrong W-4 can cause refund delays, surprise balances, or underpayment penalties

When to Update:

• You started a new job

• Your income changed (raises, second job, etc.)

• You got married or divorced

• You had a child or lost a dependent

• You’re self-employed and need to adjust your withholdings manually  

Solid Dollar Tip: Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to see if your current W-4 is accurate. Then, ask your employer to update it ASAP — don’t wait until January.

 Step 2: Start a Document Folder — Digital or Physical

Keeping your documents in one place now will save you time, stress, and money later. Here’s what you should start collecting:

Personal Info:

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)

• Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and dependents

• Banking info (for direct deposit)

Income Documents:

• W-2s from all employers

• 1099 forms (freelance, gig work, or other income)

• Unemployment benefits (1099-G) • SSA-1099 (Social Security income)

• Retirement/pension statements

• Rental or investment income statements

Self-Employed or Business Owners:

• Income summaries (PayPal, CashApp, Stripe, Square, etc.)

• Business receipts and expense logs

• Mileage logs or vehicle expense reports

• Home office expenses (utilities, rent portion)  

Solid Dollar can help you organize your deductions to maximize your write-offs.

 Step 3: Know What Credits and Deductions You Qualify For

Many clients miss out on thousands because they simply don’t know what they qualify for.

Be aware of:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

• Child Tax Credit (CTC)

• Education Credits (1098-T)

• Childcare Expenses (Form 2441)

• Healthcare (1095-A, B, or C)

• Energy-efficient home improvements  

Pro Tip: Keep any tuition statements, childcare receipts, and health insurance forms in your folder.

Step 4: Review Last Year’s Return

Pull a copy of your 2024 tax return to:

• Compare income and refunds

• Track carryover deductions (like charitable contributions or education credits)

• Help Solid Dollar prep faster when your info matches

If you filed with Solid Dollar last year, we have your return on file — just let us know if anything changed.

 Step 5: Schedule a Tax Consultation with Us Early

Booking your consultation before tax season ensures you:

• Get ahead of the crowd

• Have time to fix any issues (like missing forms or incorrect info)

• Create a tax strategy that saves you money  

Call or text 614-500-3852 to schedule or email us at soliddollarts@gmail.com

 Bonus: Things You May Not Think About… But Should:

• Address changes — Update the IRS and employers so your W-2s or checks don’t get sent to the wrong place.

• Name changes — If you recently got married/divorced and changed your name, update your Social Security record ASAP.

• Identity protection PIN — Sign up with the IRS if you’ve had fraud or want to protect your return.

Why Work With Solid Dollar?  We’re not just tax preparers — we’re your tax partners.  Our mission is to educate, protect, and empower every client.  We help clients in all 50 states and offer audit protection and maximum refund assurance.

Ready to Make 2025 Your Smoothest Tax Season Ever?

Start now. Save everything. Get support early.

Solid Dollar Tax Services is here to take the stress out of tax season and help you make every dollar count.  

Text “READY” to 614-500-3852

 Visit www.soliddollarts.com

 Email soliddollarts@gmail.com  

Follow us on social media @SolidDollarTaxServices

A Solid Team. A Solid Dollar.

Let’s file smarter, not harder.