Stephen Merritt, CPA, PC  |  Certified Public Accountants  |  (757) 420-5778
233 Business Park Drive, Suite 104, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

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December 2025:

• Getting Ready For Taxes
• Annual Holiday Quiz: Hidden Stories Behind Holiday Giving
• Your Year-End Tax & Financial Checklist
• Spend Less with These 5 Money Tips

Getting ready for Taxes

Plenty of tax changes are lining up as the calendar turns toward 2026, and knowing what’s coming can help you stay a step ahead. Before then, there’s also several moves to make filing your 2025 tax return as easy as possible.

Preparing to file your 2025 tax return

• Gather records to support deductions for no tax on tips and no tax on overtime. Review the approved occupations for qualified tips and confirm the amount of this benefit you expect to claim in 2025. You will need proof of these claimed amounts. The same holds true for overtime pay. Employers are not required to issue W-2s or 1099s with this information in 2025, but they should provide you with the necessary confirmation of the dollar amounts. Compare these employer-provided amounts with your records to ensure they match prior to filing your tax return.
• Look for new Form 1099-DA. If you own cryptocurrency or other digital assets, you may see this new form. Starting with the 2025 tax year, exchanges and brokers must report certain cryptocurrency and digital asset transactions, so you should track cost basis, sale dates, and wallets used to avoid mismatches or questions from the IRS.
• 1099-Ks may still be issued. You shouldn’t see a Form 1099-K from a payment processor such as PayPal or Venmo unless you have 200 or more transactions amounting in more than $20,000 in payments from the processor. But because of the many tax law changes in this area you may still receive a Form 1099-K in error. If you receive one, don’t throw it away! Include it with your other tax documents for proper reporting on your 2025 tax return.
• Review IRA and HSA accounts. If you have an IRA or HSA account, you can make 2025 contributions up until either April 15, 2026 or the date you file your return, whichever is earlier.

What’s new in 2026

• Above-the-line charitable contributions. You can deduct $1,000 of charitable contributions if single or $2,000 if filing jointly. This is available to you whether you use the standard deduction or itemize your deductions. There’s also the introduction of a 0.5% floor for itemizing charitable contributions.
• Itemized deduction phaseout is back. If you’re in the top 37% tax bracket, your itemized deductions could be reduced. This phaseout of deductions is being re-introduced beginning in 2026.
• Gamblers take a loss. Losses from wagering transactions are now limited to 90% of such losses. Under the previous law you could claim deductions up to the amount of your winnings. For example, if you won $10,000 and incurred $15,000 in losses over the course of a tax year, you could deduct $10,000 using the previous law. Under the new law you can only deduct 90% of your losses, or $9,000 in this example.
• Mortgage insurance premiums can be reported as an itemized deduction.
• Elimination of many energy credits. This includes the credit for purchasing electric vehicles after September 30, 2025 and the elimination of many residential energy efficient purchase credits at the end of 2025. So plan accordingly.

Annual Holiday Quiz: Hidden Stories Behind Holiday Giving

As you ring in the holiday season, why not have some fun? Test your knowledge of the hidden stories behind holiday giving with our annual holiday quiz. Enjoy!

Question 1: While wrapping gifts finds its origins in 2nd century China, the popularity of wrapping holiday gifts in colorful paper is attributed to what reason?

A. When printers had leftover wallpaper to sell
B. When department stores wanted to cover unsightly boxes
C. When artists created more color in the dreary winter
D. When a company sold out of the normal brown and uni-color tissue paper

Answer: D

Modern-day gift wrapping is attributed to the Hall brothers in 1917. Their holiday rush sold out of the normal brown and dull tissue paper covering for gifts. As a solution, one of the brothers decided to sell colorful envelope liners they had in their plant from their card business. This clever pivot not only helped popularize modern gift wrapping but also helped set the brothers on the path to growing what became the Hallmark Company we know today.

Question 2: Why did bows begin topping presents in the first place?

A. Sailors used them as good-luck knots before long voyages
B. Hat makers used leftover ribbons to make packages fancy
C. Merchants wanted an easy way to signal a gift was ready for pick up
D. Superstition. The bow helps keep wandering spirits away from gifts.

Answer: B

In the late 1800s, milliners (hat makers) were swimming in ribbon scraps after trimming hats for the fashionable crowds of the day. Rather than toss the leftovers, clever shopkeepers began tying those bright little pieces onto wrapped parcels. It caught on as an easy way to make a gift feel a little more special.

Question 3: What sparked the tradition of slipping small gifts into stockings?

A. A story of secret coins tumbling down a chimney
B. A tax break for sock-based generosity
C. A superstition that dried wool boosts winter prosperity
D. An inventor who insisted socks were portable treasure pouches

Answer: A

One old story from the 1800s tells of Santa dropping small gold spheres down a chimney, where they landed neatly in stockings left to dry by the fire. The image stuck, and the idea of finding little treasures in a sock quickly grew into a lasting holiday tradition.

Question 4: Why do some cultures exchange fruit, especially oranges, as holiday gifts?

A. The citrus scent was believed to lighten the closed in winter smells of the day
B. Sea faring sailors popularized the tradition to help fight off scurvy in their families
C. They were rare winter luxuries symbolizing warmth and wealth
D. It became an easy gift to carolers, a popular activity in early Europe.

Answer: C

Long ago, fresh oranges were rare in winter, so giving one felt like sharing a bit of sunshine during the coldest stretch of the year. Over time, the orange also became linked to the old story of Santa’s gold spheres.

Question 5: Chestnuts roasting on an open fire is known by most as a holiday tradition. What happened to it…why did it fall out of favor?

A. Other nuts became more abundant (pecans, walnuts, and almonds) putting the Chestnut out of business.
B. Fewer merchants had access to open fires, limiting the effective use of the practice.
C. Consumers ultimately lost the desire to eat them due to their texture.
D. A tree blight effectively eliminated most chestnut trees.

Answer: D

A tree blight killed virtually all Chestnut trees over a 50 year time period in the early 1900s. Recent efforts are being made to reintroduce the tree with some success.

Question 6: While greeting cards go back to ancient Egypt and China, where and when was the modern day Christmas Card tradition born?

A. Germany in the late 1800s, to celebrate and announce religious services
B. United States, in 1905 as a United States Postal Service promotion
C. England in the mid 1800s to avoid writing repetitive hand notes to friends
D. Stationary companies in the 1920s to help in cost-effective greetings versus gifts during the Depression

Answer: C

The first modern Christmas card was created in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, a British businessman. It was a card that showed a family celebrating the holiday along scenes of charity. He used it to replace personal notes to friends and colleagues and with the advent of the penny post in Britain, it quickly became a popular tradition.

Question 7: This holiday classic was officially the first #1 Song in America in the 1950s. Can you name it? Sorry, this one has no multiple choice options!

Answer: “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer” sung by Gene Autry

This hit also holds the unenviable record of being the only #1 hit song that did not chart the following week. Talk about hot and cold! The irony is that Gene Autry did not want to sing the song. It took some prodding from his wife for the ‘singing cowboy’ to corral this number one hint.

Quiz Results:

Tally your score to unwrap your true level of holiday gifting wisdom:

6 to 7 correct: Expert gift wrapper. If gift-giving were an Olympic sport, you’d already have a gold medal.

4 to 5 correct: Cheerful tradition tracker. You’ve got a solid grip on holiday history, with just enough gaps to keep things interesting.

2 to 3 correct: Curious holiday rookie. Think of yourself as someone still wandering through the festive aisles, noticing new surprises at every turn.

0 to 1 correct: Festive free spirit. You’re not here for the facts, you’re here for the fun. And that’s a gift all its own.

Your Year-End Tax & Financial Checklist

Year-end is more than just wrapping gifts and planning celebrations – it’s the last chance to make smart money moves that can reduce taxes and set the stage for a confident start to the new year. Use this checklist to help cover the essentials.

• Check tax withholdings. Do a quick check to see if your paycheck withholdings will match your tax liability. If you had a big refund or owed a large amount last year, you can anticipate the same will happen this year. So if you have not already done so, adjust your W-4 so you’re closer to even. Then after filing your 2025 tax return, revisit your withholdings and make any fine tune adjustments for the 2026 tax year.
• Max out tax-advantaged accounts. If you have a Health Savings Account, try to max out your annual contribution limits. This serves a dual purpose: paying for health expenses with pre-tax dollars PLUS any unspent contributions can be invested and used for future needs. Next take a look at retirement accounts like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, or IRAs before the year closes and contribute as much as possible up to the annual limits.
• Use up FSAs. Flexible Spending Accounts often have use-it-or-lose-it rules. So check your balance and submit reimbursements for eligible medical or dependent care expenses. Some plans offer a short grace period or a limited carryover, so know your deadlines to avoid forfeiting money.
• Plan for life changes. Marriage, divorce, a new child, or a change in employment can all alter your tax situation. Be prepared for any changes these life events may cause.
• Clarify dependency claims. If family members provide or receive support, coordinate who will claim dependents on tax returns. This helps prevent IRS mismatches and ensures valuable credits like the Child Tax Credit go to the right filer.
• Harvest investment losses (or gains). Review your portfolio to realize losses that can offset capital gains. If your income is low this year, you might even be able to harvest gains at a lower tax rate (maybe even 0%!). Be careful to avoid wash-sale rules.
• Review your budget and spending. Look back over your expenses for 2025 to spot trends. Did you meet your savings goals? Were there surprise costs that could be planned for next time? Adjust your budget now while memories are fresh.
• Check your emergency fund. Aim to keep three to six months of living expenses in a readily accessible account. If you’ve dipped into it this year, make a plan to replenish it, and review whether inflation or lifestyle changes mean you need a larger cushion.
• Review insurance coverage. Health, life, home, and auto policies all deserve a fresh look. Confirm coverage levels still fit your needs, compare premiums, and check that beneficiaries are current.
• Update beneficiaries and legal documents. Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney can become outdated quickly. Confirm that beneficiaries listed on retirement accounts and life insurance policies align with your estate plans.
• Talk as a family. Finally, gather around the table for an open conversation about finances. Discuss goals, responsibilities, and plans for the coming year. Shared understanding builds financial strength, which is the best gift you can give each other before the year ends.

Spend Less with These 5 Money Tips

Rising costs across nearly every kind of product and service have stretched everyone’s budgets, making each dollar feel a little tighter. Here are some tips to spend less to help offset the effect from these higher prices.

• Pay down high-interest debt. You can start spending less money today by paying down high-interest debt. Data from the Federal Reserve shows people who don’t pay off their credit card balance each month pay an average interest rate of 22.83%. For a monthly credit card balance of $500, this interest expense costs you $9.51 a month, or just over $114 a year.
• Revisit your subscriptions. Write down how many monthly subscriptions you’re paying for, then add up the monthly cost. Then ask yourself the following questions: Can you do without some of these subscriptions? Can you cut the cost of some of these subscriptions? Are there some with overlapping benefits? Maybe you’ll discover a subscription you completely forgot about. You don’t have to cancel all of them, but getting rid of just a few can help you spend less each month.
• Shop around for insurance. Loyalty to an insurance company doesn’t always pay off. Consider shopping around and comparing rates for homeowners, auto, & umbrella insurance, along with other insurance coverage you may have.
• Eat at home. Limit how often you dine out or stop for take-out. Your wallet will thank you! According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall food spending was up 6.9% in 2023 (the latest year data was available), partly driven by an 8.1% increase in food spending away from home.
• Start using a budget. Finally, spend less by creating a written monthly budget and sticking to it. Find a budgeting app that you like the look and feel of, then create a budget within that app to help you decide how much to spend each month in various categories. Once the budget has been created, be sure to keep it updated throughout the month, instead of waiting until the last week to get it up-to-date.
• The cost of everything may have skyrocketed, but you still have at least some control over where your money goes each month. Consider these steps to cut your spending, and you may be surprised at how much you save.

As always, should you have any questions or concerns regarding your tax situation please feel free to call.

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