5 Reasons to Actually Love This Year’s Tax Season (Yes, Really!)

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By Shelley Murasko
 
I know - the words “tax season” usually make most people break out in a cold sweat. But stick with me, because this year, there are some legit reasons to get a little excited about filing your taxes. Whether you’re retired and enjoying your golden years or still grinding away in the workforce, and especially if you’re here in California, there are some real perks waiting for you.

So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, and let’s go.

1. Possible Savings from the “One Big Beautiful Bill”

Okay, yes, the new tax bill has a cheesy name, but the point is, there are some new opportunities to save this year. Higher standard deductions, continued or expanded credits for families, and potential tweaks to retirement account rules could mean more money stays in your pocket.

For example – we look forward to:

  • Our seniors over age 65, who make less than $75,000 if single and $150,000 if married receiving an extra $6000 per person standard deduction.

  • “The SALT (State and Local Property Tax) deduction cap increasing from $10,000 to $40,000, allowing many clients in states with high income taxes - like California - to claim significantly larger itemized deductions and potentially lower their federal tax bill.” Income phaseouts are much higher here at $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for married joint filers.

2. Returns Are Simpler Than You Think

Here’s the good news: tax returns are becoming more user-friendly. For many retirees who live off Social Security and a few investment accounts, or for working folks with W-2 income and maybe a 401(k), the forms are cleaner, fewer, and less intimidating.

  • You might not need to itemize at all since the standard deduction covers a lot.

  • Employer-reported income and investment income is easier to import into most tax software, meaning fewer typos and headaches.

Even if you’ve got a rental property in Santa Monica or a side gig selling vintage surfboards online, modern filing tools make it much easier to stay organized and accurate.

3. Tools That Actually Make Filing Fun(ish)

Okay, “fun” is relative. But tax software and online portals have gotten a lot smarter. They now talk to you like a human, not a robot, and help catch mistakes before they become “oops” moments.

Some highlights:

  • Alerts for missing forms or potential deductions (hello medical expenses or charitable donations!)

  • Guidance for capital gains on your California stock investments or retirement accounts

  • Built-in calculators for estimated payments if you’ve got freelance income or rental properties

Even if you’re a retiree who normally passes this off to your CPA, these tools make it easier to see the full picture of your finances, and that’s empowering.

4. Refunds and Payments Are Smoother Than Ever

If you’re expecting a refund, e-filing with direct deposit is basically magic - fast, safe, and paperless. Many clients I know have gotten refunds in a matter of weeks.

And if you owe? No stress:

It’s a far cry from the old days of stuffing envelopes and standing in line at the post office.

5. A Chance to Plan, Reflect, and Reset

Here’s my favorite part: tax season is really a mini financial check-in. It’s a chance to look at your whole picture - retirement accounts, investments, charitable giving, and deductions - and make smart moves for the year ahead.

  • Retirees can reassess required minimum distributions and decide whether Roth conversions make sense.

  • Working clients can see if adjustments to withholding could keep more cash in their paycheck or help them save more for college funds or retirement.

  • Everyone can use the return as a chance to catch up on budgeting, tax-loss harvesting, or charitable contributions.

Think of it as a financial pit stop - a little tune-up that can save money, stress, and maybe even inspire some confidence in your long-term plans.

Bottom Line

Yes, taxes aren’t exactly a day at the beach. But this year, with simpler returns, smarter tools, potential savings, and the chance to really see your finances clearly, tax season can be… tolerable? Even a little satisfying.

So go ahead: get organized, file early, and maybe even celebrate when that refund hits. And remember, whether you’re planning for retirement, growing your nest egg, or just trying to survive the madness of taxes, a little preparation goes a long way.