Why You Should Think Twice Before Filing Your 2024 Taxes: Big Changes Could Put More Money in Your Pocket

A Surprise Tax Bill Could Mean More Money for You—If You Wait

Imagine rushing to file your taxes, expecting a refund, only to find out a few weeks later that new tax laws could have put even more money in your pocket. Now you’re stuck filing an amended return—or worse, missing out on savings altogether.

With former President Donald Trump back in office and House Speaker Mike Johnson pushing for a new tax bill before the April filing deadline, big tax changes could be coming soon. And if they do, they’ll likely apply retroactively to 2024, which means waiting to file your taxes could be a smart financial move.

Let’s break down what’s happening, what’s changing, and how you can take advantage of it.

What’s Changing and Why It Matters

Lawmakers are considering a major tax overhaul, with potential updates to deductions, tax rates, and credits that could impact your 2024 tax return. Here’s what you need to know:

1. A Fast-Tracked Tax Bill Could Pass Soon

What’s Happening?
Congress may use a process called budget reconciliation to pass a tax bill with a simple majority, avoiding the usual 60-vote Senate hurdle. If successful, these tax changes could go into effect before the April filing deadline.

Why It Matters:
If the bill passes, new tax rules could mean bigger deductions, lower tax rates, and other financial benefits. Filing early could mean missing out on these perks, forcing you to file an amended return later.

2. Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts Could Be Extended—Or Expanded

What’s the Deal with the TCJA?
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) lowered tax rates and increased the standard deduction, but many of its benefits are set to expire. Lawmakers may vote to extend or modify these cuts, which could mean lower taxes for you.

Why It Matters:
If you wait to file, you could benefit from a lower tax rate or an extended deduction that increases your refund. Filing early could mean missing out.

3. Retroactive Tax Changes Could Work in Your Favor

What Does Retroactive Mean?
If Congress passes new tax laws in early 2025, they could apply retroactively to 2024, as if they were in place all along.

Why It Matters:
This means you could take advantage of new deductions or tax breaks—even though they weren’t official when 2024 started. But if you file too early, you might miss out and need to go through the hassle of amending your return.

4. Business Owners Could Benefit from 100% Bonus Depreciation

What’s Changing?
Under the TCJA, businesses could deduct the full cost of eligible equipment and property upfront instead of spreading it over several years. But in 2023, this perk started phasing out.

Why It Matters:
Lawmakers might bring back 100% bonus depreciation, which would be a huge win for business owners, real estate investors, and anyone who made big purchases in 2024.

If you file before this change is official, you might miss out on extra tax savings.

5. Software Development Costs Could Be Deducted Immediately

What’s Section 174?
Currently, businesses must spread out software development costs over multiple years. But new legislation could change that, allowing companies to deduct these expenses right away.

Why It Matters:
If you’re a tech entrepreneur or software developer, this could mean a massive tax break—but only if you wait to file until the new rule is official.

6. The $10,000 SALT Deduction Cap Could Be Eliminated

What’s the SALT Cap?
Right now, taxpayers can only deduct $10,000 in state and local taxes (SALT) on their federal return. This cap has hit homeowners in high-tax states like California, New York, and New Jersey especially hard.

Why It Matters:
If Congress lifts or removes the SALT cap, you could deduct more of your state and local taxes, lowering your overall tax bill. But if you file early, you won’t get this benefit.

Filing Early Could Mean Filing Twice

Some taxpayers may choose to file now and amend their return later if tax laws change. But here’s why that might not be the best idea:

1. Amended Returns Take Time: Processing Form 1040-X can take months, delaying any extra refund.

2. Mistakes Happen: Amended returns are more complex, increasing the risk of errors.

3. The IRS Might Not Fix It for You: Unlike past automatic corrections (like in 2020 for unemployment income), these tax changes are more complicated. That means you’ll likely have to fix your return yourself if you file too soon.

Who Should Consider Waiting to File?

You may benefit from holding off on filing your taxes if you:

✅ Own a business or invest in real estate (Bonus depreciation could save you big money)
✅ Develop software or invest in tech (New tax breaks could let you deduct costs immediately)
✅ Pay high state or local taxes (Lifting the SALT cap could mean a bigger deduction)
✅ Earn a high income (Possible changes to tax rates or deductions could lower your bill)

Waiting just a few extra weeks could mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars in extra savings.

What to Do While You Wait

Even if you hold off on filing, you can still get ready:

✔️ Gather Your Documents: W-2s, 1099s, and receipts for deductions
✔️ Use Tax Software to Estimate Your Return: This can help you see what your refund (or tax bill) might look like under current laws
✔️ Talk to a Tax Professional: A CPA or tax expert can help you decide the best time to file based on your situation

The Bottom Line: Patience Could Pay Off

Tax laws are changing fast, and filing too soon could mean missing out on valuable deductions and credits. If you own a business, have significant deductions, or pay high state taxes, waiting to file until the new tax bill is passed could put more money in your pocket.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and don’t rush to file—it might just be the smartest financial move you make this year.

FAQs

1. When is the deadline to file 2024 taxes?

The deadline is April 15, 2025, but you can request an extension until October 15, 2025 if needed.

2. What if I already filed my 2024 taxes?

If new tax laws pass, you may need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) to claim additional deductions or credits.

3. Will the IRS automatically adjust my return if the tax laws change?

Probably not. Unlike past cases where the IRS made automatic corrections, these potential changes are more complex, so you may need to amend your return yourself.

4. How do I know if I should wait to file?

If you could benefit from bonus depreciation, software development deductions, or SALT cap changes, waiting might be in your best interest.

5. Where can I get updates on the 2024 / 2025 tax bill?

Check the IRS website, financial news outlets, or consult a tax professional like Tax Sherpa for the latest information.

Relevant Links

• IRS Newsroom: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom

• Form 1040-X: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040x

Want more expert tax tips? Stay tuned for updates as new tax laws unfold! 🚀