ETB Newspaper | Tax & Bookkeeping Updates

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Your ETB News & Tips

– December Debut Edition

Welcome to the very first edition of the ETB Newspaper — where bookkeeping finally feels human, tax season is a little less scary, and financial clarity comes with warmth, personality, and the straight talk you deserve.

If you’re here, it’s because you value clarity — and you’re tired of guessing.

Same. That’s exactly why I built ETB.

So, grab your coffee, take a breath, and let’s make your December feel a little lighter.

What’s Happening at ETB This Month

December is the month when ETB shifts into “quiet hustle” mode — prepping everything so YOU don’t end up stressed in January.

Behind the scenes, I’m working on:

· Refreshing every client’s SmartVault structure

· Wrapping up year-end bookkeeping checks

· Preparing personalized tax organizers (coming soon!)

· Reviewing payroll + compliance for entities

· Creating your 2025 tax-season roadmap

· And making sure the small things don’t turn into IRS surprises

You don’t see it happening — that’s the beauty of it.
Your chaos stays my job… not yours.

“Think of me as your financial headlights — clearing the fog before you hit the 2026 highway.”

SABINE SAYS:

“If you’re stressed about your finances, it’s never because you’re doing too little — it’s because no one taught you the right way yet. That’s what I’m here for.”

Light Year-End Prep (Keep It Easy!)

Before tax season rolls in, here’s what helps:

· Put your important forms in one place (digital or physical)

· Snap photos of receipts you don’t want to lose

· Keep personal + business separate

· Upload any IRS letters into your vault

· Make note of major purchases or business changes

That’s it.
No overwhelm.
No spreadsheet nightmares.
Just the basics — the rest is on me.

Now the Fun Part: What Actually Changed in 2025 (Laws)

"One Big Beautiful Bill Act"

Tax law updates don’t have to feel overwhelming — and honestly, most people only need the part that affects them.
So here’s the version that matters, in real language, with zero fluff.

Bigger Standard Deduction =

A Little More Breathing Room

What changed:
The standard deduction went up for 2025. That means a larger portion of your income isn’t taxed.

Why this matters:
If you normally take the standard deduction (and most taxpayers do), your return may look different this year — especially if your income changed.

ETB Advisory:
If you’re unsure whether the standard deduction or itemized saves you more, I can calculate both scenarios.

It’s one of the easiest ways to avoid leaving money on the table.

Business Owners: 20% Pass-Through Deduction Isn’t Going Away

What changed:
That big “20% deduction” for LLCs, sole proprietors, partnerships, and S corps isn’t going anywhere .

Why this matters:
It’s one of the most generous deductions business owners have — but the rules can get very specific.

ETB Advisory:
Whether you qualify can change year to year.

If you’re unsure, or thinking about switching to an S corp, let’s talk it through before tax season.

This is where good planning = real savings.

Tips & Overtime: Certain Workers May Deduct More Income

What changed:
There’s a new deduction for eligible tip income and overtime.

Why this matters:
Servers, bartenders, salon workers, and anyone with variable pay may see lower taxable income — but only if it’s recorded and handled correctly with proper documentation.

ETB Advisory:
If you earn tips or overtime, let’s talk. The IRS rules are technical, and the way your employer reports them can affect whether you get this deduction.

Seniors (65+)

Get an Extra Bonus

Up To

$6,000 Deduction

in addition to the existing, long-standing extra standard deduction

What changed:
Taxpayers aged 65 and older get a bonus deduction on top of everything else.

The full bonus is available “ Only if ” your MAGI is at or below certain thresholds:

*Single Filers/Head of Household: MAGI up to $75,000.

*Married Filing Jointly: MAGI up to $150,000.

Why this matters:
This directly lowers taxable income — meaning potential savings for you or a parent.

ETB Advisory:
If you (or your parents) turned 65 by the end of this year , let’s make sure this benefit is applied .

It may also open strategic opportunities with Social Security and retirement withdrawals. And if you’re nearing 66, we can also talk about Social Security timing.

Estate Tax Threshold Raised to $15 Million

What changed:
The federal estate tax exemption is now $15 million.

Why this matters:
Most families won’t reach this threshold — but real estate investors, multi-property owners, and business owners may have more flexibility than before.

ETB Advisory:
If you own multiple properties, a business, or expect inheritance/wealth transfer, this is the time to revisit your estate plan. I can walk you through what this exemption means for your long-term picture.

ETB Summary: What All This Really Means for You

You may owe less tax than previous years — if your return is structured properly.

Some clients automatically qualify for bigger deductions, but only if we file correctly.

Business owners have major planning opportunities they shouldn’t ignore.

Tip earners and hourly workers may access a brand-new deduction.

Families with assets should review their estate strategy — laws changed in their favor.

ETB Advisory Invitation

“If you’re not sure how any of these updates affect you, that’s exactly what I’m here for. Every situation is different — let’s talk through yours before tax season begins.

& For My Seniors: ETB has a “Compassion Discount” Tax Filing Package! It’s my way of Thanking You for Your Precious Years of Contribution!”

Call/Text ETB

Visit ETB Website

E-mail ETB

⭐

ETB TIPS OF THE MONTH

“Spend 5 minutes a week on receipts — save 5 hours of stress in April.”

“If you aren't sure whether something is deductible… don’t guess. Upload it. I’ll decide.”

For the New ETB Followers & Future Clients

If you’re reading this and you’re not an ETB client yet, here’s what you should know:

This newspaper gives you reminders —but the real strategy stays inside my client work.

If you want:

¨ Clean books

¨ Calm tax seasons

¨ Total clarity on your numbers

¨ A boutique-level experience

¨ Someone who explains things NO judgment

¨ And a firm that actually cares about you…

Then you belong at ETB

*Coming in January

A few exciting things are on the way:

Your 2025 ETB Organizer (simple, clean, personalized)

A “What You Actually Need for Tax Season” checklist

The most-forgotten documents people miss every year

ETB’s 2026 workflow timeline

One new habit that will completely change next year’s books

Stay tuned — January’s issue will be a good one

A Final Note from Me

Thank you for being here — as a client, a supporter, or someone thinking about joining ETB.
This Newspaper is my way of staying connected, keeping things simple, and reminding you that you’re not navigating your finances alone.

Wishing you a warm, peaceful holiday season…
and a January that doesn’t start with financial panic.

God Bless!
Sabine, Ethical Tax & Bookkeeping