Year-end Tax Preparation: Do's and Don'ts and Moves to Make Before New Year's Day
- Heath Vo, JD, CPA
- Dec 1, 2025
- 3 min read
The holidays hit fast this year, and ExFed Tax has been juggling everything from client planning to surprise family visits. Yes — my mother literally flew to Texas without warning. Yes — it was emotional. And no, before anyone asks, her flight is not a tax deduction, no matter how heartfelt the surprise was.
Between turkey, travel, and a dangerously low pie-to-human ratio, we’ve also been busy behind the scenes gearing up for tax season. Here's ear-end Tax Preparation: Do's and Don'ts and Moves to Make Before New Year's Day
What We’ve Been Doing at ExFed Tax
Getting Organized for Tax Season
Our office is officially prepped, stocked, and color-coded within an inch of its life. (We take organization very seriously.)
Meeting With Clients Early
We’re doing year-end check-ins to help clients avoid unexpected tax bills and start the season with clarity instead of chaos.
Prepping Marketing & Community Partnerships
We’ve been working with local businesses to host in-person tax prep pop-ups so busy professionals and parents can get their taxes done without taking time off work.
Reviewing Our Own Taxes
Because leaving federal service means we’re navigating our own first post-government tax year. It’s been… enlightening.
Tax Moves to Make Before New Year's Day
As you slide into holiday mode, don’t forget your financial checklist. Once December 28th hits, we all lose track of time, reality, and which cousin brought which casserole.
Check Your Withholding or Estimated Taxes
This is your last chance to avoid underpayment surprises next April.
Max Out Retirement Contributions (if it makes sense)
Your future self — preferably on a beach — will thank you.
Start Gathering Tax Documents Now
W-2s, 1099s, receipts, health insurance forms… put them in one designated spot. If you're a business owner - do your year-end transactions then close your books! Close the books! One more time for the people in the back - Close. The. Books.
If You Used Marketplace Health Insurance…
Let’s be honest: if you “guessed” your income, 2026 may deliver a reality check.Start planning now.
Reserve Your Tax Prep Appointment Early
Our calendar fills up fast — every year.
Client Do’s & Don’ts for a Smooth, Drama-Free Tax Season
These tips will save you time, stress, and possibly a few gray hairs.
DO: Keep Your Tax Information in One Spot
A folder works. A shoebox works. A “drawer of chaos” works. Just keep it all together.
DO: Book Your Appointment Early
If you can book brunch, flights, or Taylor Swift tickets early… you can book your tax prep early too.
DO: Hire a Qualified Professional
Friendly reminder:
Someone calling themselves an “accountant” does not automatically make them a CPA. It's actually illegal in certain states. . .
Aunt Ginny’s friend who “loves doing taxes for fun” is not a credential.
And while Enrolled Agents are perfectly lovely, passing an exam written by the IRS doesn’t exactly inspire unlimited confidence.
Hire a professional who knows what they’re doing. (Hi, it’s us.)
✘ DON’T: Assume Missing Forms Mean You’re Off the Hook
If you earned income, touched income, thought about income, or dreamed income… it probably counts.
✘ DON’T: Procrastinate
Your lack of planning does not leapfrog our organized clients. Love you — boundaries.
✘ DON’T: Fall for “Pay-By-Refund” Prep Shops
Those fees are astronomical, and I will happily show you their marketing material so you can see how extreme it really is.
Looking Ahead: Start 2026 Strong
We’ve survived Thanksgiving, holiday surprises, and a mother who nearly gave me a heart attack flying to Texas without warning. Now it’s time to set yourself up for a smooth tax season.
Avoid the stress. Avoid the last-minute scramble. Avoid overpriced refund-based tax shops.
Reserve your spot with ExFed Tax today — before the calendar fills up.
Tax prep doesn’t have to be painful. Come see why busy professionals trust Uncle Sam’s Exes.
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