290: [Angelina King] Tax Essentials: 2025
- aboutthatwallet
- Mar 24
- 9 min read
Updated: Apr 11

Table of contents:
Transcript:
Contact Information:
Website: https://www.718taxservices.com/
Reference About That Wallet when reaching out.
About Angelina King and the episode:
As tax season approaches, many people find themselves overwhelmed with questions about filing, refunds, and credits. In the latest episode of our podcast, we welcomed tax expert Angelina King, CEO of 718 Tax Services, who shared invaluable insights that can help you navigate this often-stressful time of year.
Angelina emphasizes the necessity of being proactive with tax filings to avoid penalties and interest from the IRS. She also provides valuable tips on how to prepare for tax season, including the importance of keeping good records and utilizing technology to streamline the process. The conversation touches on the recent changes in tax laws, the significance of adjusting withholding, and strategies for both W2 employees and business owners to maximize their tax benefits.
One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of filing your taxes early. Angelina emphasized that doing so not only reduces the risk of fraud but also gives you the chance to identify any missing documents well ahead of the deadline. She advised listeners to check their IRS online accounts for updates on their transcripts, ensuring they have everything they need before filing.
Angelina also shed light on the PATH Act, which can hold up tax returns for those claiming dependents. This is crucial information for parents or guardians who rely on tax credits to support their families. By understanding these nuances, you can avoid potential disputes and ensure you're claiming all eligible credits.
Moreover, we discussed the mindset around tax refunds. Angelina pointed out that many view refunds as a windfall, but she reminded us that these are essentially interest-free loans to the IRS. Instead, she encouraged listeners to consider their tax withholdings carefully, as owing money can lead to penalties and interest.
For those with side hustles or small businesses, Angelina highlighted the advantages of keeping meticulous records. She introduced the app 4Receipt, which can help organize expenses and simplify the tax preparation process. This is especially beneficial for self-employed individuals who often have more deductions available to them.
Throughout the episode, Angelina’s passion for educating taxpayers was evident. She reminded us that understanding the tax code is empowering and can lead to better financial decisions. Whether you're a W2 worker or a small business owner, there are strategies you can employ to minimize your tax liability and maximize your refunds.
If you’re feeling uncertain about your taxes this year, don’t hesitate to reach out to a tax professional. As Angelina stated, “Don’t be fearful; get educated.” Tune in to our latest episode for more tips and strategies to ensure a smooth tax season. Your financial future depends on it!
🗣️ Quotes from Angelina King
"Refunds are interest free money that you're leaving on the table for the IRS to use until you claim it."
"Don't be fearful about that. And I think another... I want to give too much away in the newsletter."
"If you have all your documents, now is a great time [to file your taxes]."
"We want to reduce the fraud risk on your Social Security number. Get it out the way."
"Don't chase the money. The money will come."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it beneficial to file taxes early?
Filing early allows you to receive your refund sooner, which Angelina King points out is essentially interest-free money the IRS is holding until you claim it. Early filing also helps you beat the rush and potentially avoid issues like dependent disputes, as the IRS can identify discrepancies earlier. However, it's important to have all your necessary documents, and you can check your transcript on IRS.gov to ensure you have everything reported. Notably, for those with dependents who file early (around February 8th in the discussion), refunds might be held due to the PATH Act to verify the legitimacy of the dependent claims.
What are some key tax considerations for the 2024 tax year, and what should W2 employees consider for 2025?
For 2024, standard deductions have increased. W2 employees should be aware that itemizing may be less beneficial unless they have significant deductions like mortgage interest, charitable donations, or medical expenses. Angelina King highlights the IRS sales tax calculator as a potential way to increase deductions and lower tax liability. Looking ahead to 2025, she emphasizes the importance of adjusting your withholding, as tax laws might change due to potential shifts like "Project 2025," which could impact previous deductions. It's crucial to ensure adequate federal income tax is being withheld to avoid significant liabilities, especially for higher-income earners.
What is the importance of the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report for business owners?
The BOI report is a requirement for most LLCs and other businesses registered in a state. Its primary purpose is to help prevent money laundering and ensure business legitimacy by tracking the beneficial owners of these entities. While there was a delay due to court orders at the time of the discussion, Angelina King advises business owners to stay informed and file the report once the requirement is active to avoid potential penalties and ensure compliance. The BOI e-filing website (boiefiling.fincen.gov) offers more detailed information.
Why is record-keeping so vital for small business owners when it comes to taxes?
Meticulous record-keeping is essential for small business owners as it simplifies the tax preparation process and can significantly lower their tax liability. Having organized records, including receipts, bank statements, and a trial balance, makes it easier for tax professionals to accurately identify deductible expenses and prepare filings like Schedule C for sole proprietorships. Angelina King recommends using apps like 4receipt.com and utilizing resources on IRS.gov. Poor record-keeping can lead to delays, increased costs from tax preparers, and potentially missed deductions.
What advice does Angelina King offer for individuals aspiring to work in the tax industry?
For those interested in a career in taxes, Angelina King recommends first getting an overview of what taxes entails and understanding the need for detail orientation. The initial step to becoming a tax preparer is obtaining a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS website. She stresses the importance of learning from a mentor, being passionate about the work (beyond just the income potential), and having a heart for serving people who often face real financial issues. She also suggests exploring tax schools and online resources for formal training.
How can someone choose a good tax professional?
Angelina King advises several steps to find a trustworthy tax professional. First, check the IRS.gov website for a directory of preparers. Second, examine online reviews, including negative ones, to get a well-rounded view of potential experiences. Seeking referrals from trusted sources, especially if you're out of state, can also be helpful. Finally, she recommends praying for guidance in making this important decision. She cautions against preparers who suggest unethical or illegal practices, emphasizing the importance of honesty in tax preparation.
What are Angelina King's thoughts on receiving a tax refund versus owing money to the IRS?
Angelina King views a tax refund as interest-free money that taxpayers have essentially loaned to the IRS. While refunds can be beneficial for individuals needing a lump sum, such as mothers with children relying on tax credits, consistently receiving large refunds might indicate that you are over-withholding and could have had access to that money throughout the year. Conversely, owing taxes can result in interest and penalties if you haven't withheld enough, especially for W2 employees. For 1099 earners, owing might be expected if they haven't accounted for self-employment taxes (around 15.3%) or haven't taken advantage of eligible business deductions. She emphasizes that the goal should be to align your withholding as closely as possible to your actual tax liability.
What is one piece of advice Angelina King would give her younger self regarding professional and financial well-being?
Angelina King's advice to her younger self would be to "speak up." She reflects on a period where she was more reserved and observational, and she now believes that active communication is crucial for thriving in any environment. From a financial perspective, a key habit she swears by is stopping unnecessary spending, as small amounts can accumulate. She also advocates for a strategic approach to managing money by prioritizing essential payments (like mortgage and car insurance) and even considering tithing and saving a portion of earnings first.
Glossary and Terms:
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): Gross income (total income before deductions) minus certain allowable deductions, such as contributions to traditional IRAs, student loan interest payments, and self-employment taxes. AGI is a key figure used to determine eligibility for various tax benefits.
Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report: A mandatory filing requirement for many companies in the United States, requiring them to report information about the individuals who directly or indirectly own or control the company to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This is intended to help prevent money laundering and other illicit activities.
EIN (Employer Identification Number): A unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to business entities operating in the United States for the purposes of identification. It is used by employers, corporations, partnerships, and other entities for tax filing and reporting purposes.
Form 1099: An information return issued by payers to recipients of certain types of income other than wages, salaries, and tips (which are reported on Form W-2). Common types of 1099 forms include 1099-NEC for non-employee compensation (independent contractors) and 1099-DIV for dividends and distributions. The IRS also receives a copy of these forms.
Form 990-N (e-Postcard): A simplified electronic filing requirement for most small tax-exempt organizations (typically those with gross receipts of $50,000 or less). It requires basic information about the organization, such as its name, address, and website.
Form W-2: A wage and tax statement provided by employers to their employees by January 31st each year. It reports the employee's total earnings for the previous year and the amounts of federal, state, and other taxes withheld from their pay. Employees need this form to file their individual income tax returns.
Itemized Deductions: Specific expenses that taxpayers can choose to deduct from their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) instead of taking the standard deduction. Common itemized deductions include mortgage interest, state and local taxes (up to a limit), charitable contributions, and medical expenses (to the extent they exceed 7.5% of AGI). Taxpayers will itemize if the total of their itemized deductions is greater than the standard deduction for their filing status.
Non-Refundable Credit: A type of tax credit that can reduce a taxpayer's tax liability to $0, but any excess credit cannot be received back as a refund. Examples include the Child Tax Credit (to a certain extent) and education credits.
PATH Act of 2015: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, enacted in 2015, made several permanent tax changes and included provisions aimed at preventing tax fraud, particularly related to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). One key provision delays the issuance of refunds for tax returns claiming these credits until mid-February.
P10 (Preparer Tax Identification Number): A number issued by the IRS to paid tax return preparers. All paid tax return preparers are required to obtain and use a P10 on the tax returns they prepare.
Refundable Credit: A type of tax credit that can reduce a taxpayer's tax liability below $0, with any excess amount being refunded to the taxpayer. Examples include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit.
Schedule C (Form 1040): Profit or Loss From Business (Sole Proprietorship). This IRS form is used by sole proprietors to report income and expenses from their business. The net profit or loss from Schedule C is then transferred to the taxpayer's Form 1040.
Standard Deduction: A fixed dollar amount that taxpayers can deduct from their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) if they choose not to itemize their deductions. The standard deduction amount varies based on the taxpayer's filing status, age, and whether they are blind. It is adjusted annually for inflation.
Statute of Limitations (for taxes): The time limit within which the IRS can assess additional tax or within which a taxpayer can file an amended return to claim a refund. Generally, the statute of limitations for assessing additional tax is three years from the date the return was filed or its due date, whichever is later. The statute of limitations for claiming a refund is also generally three years from the date the return was filed or two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later.
Taxable Income: The amount of income that is subject to income tax. It is calculated by subtracting the taxpayer's standard deduction or total itemized deductions from their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). The tax liability is then determined based on the applicable tax brackets for the taxpayer's filing status and their taxable income.
Withholding (Tax): The portion of an employee's wages or other income that an employer or payer deducts and sends directly to the government as an advance payment of the employee's or recipient's income tax liability. The amount withheld is based on the information the employee provides on their Form W-4 (for wages) or Form W-9 (for other income) and the applicable tax rules.
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