2025 Tax Return Review Checklist — Creative Financial Group
Creative Financial Group · CPA & Retirement Planning
2025 Tax Return Review Checklist
Use this checklist after receiving your return — to catch errors, identify missed opportunities, and set up a smarter plan for next year.
Numbers verified for tax year 2025
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Every Taxpayer
The Universal Review
These items apply to every return, regardless of income or complexity. Start here before anything else.
Accuracy & Personal Information
Income Verification
Deductions & Credits
Next Year Setup
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CFG Tip: Compare this return to last year's side by side. If your tax bill jumped without an obvious reason — higher income, a sale, a distribution — ask your advisor why before accepting it.
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Higher Complexity
For Incomes Above $109,000 Single / $218,000 Joint — or $500,000+ in Investable Assets
At this level, the tax picture changes structurally. IRMAA, NIIT, RMDs, and Roth strategy all become active considerations. These items are where real money is left on the table — or saved.
Why this threshold? IRMAA surcharges start at $109,000 single / $218,000 joint. The Net Investment Income Tax (3.8%) kicks in at $200,000 single / $250,000 joint. RMDs, QCDs, and Roth conversion strategy are most impactful at $500,000+ in assets. If any of these apply to you, this section is not optional.
Medicare & IRMAA
RMDs & Retirement Distributions
Roth Conversion Opportunity
QCDs & Charitable Giving
Net Investment Income & Additional Medicare Tax
Capital Gains & Investment Review
Estate, Gifts & Beneficiaries
Questions to Bring to Your CFG Meeting
→What is my projected MAGI this year — and does it push me into a higher IRMAA tier two years from now?
→How much can I convert to Roth without crossing into the next bracket or IRMAA tier?
→Am I using QCDs efficiently — or leaving a tax deduction on the table by writing checks to charity instead?
→Is my Social Security taxation percentage being managed through withdrawal sequencing?
→Are my beneficiary designations, trust documents, and estate plan current given this year's return?
Ready to Take Control of Your Retirement?
Filing handles this year. Planning ahead is how you keep more of what you have built — for the rest of your life.
This checklist is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws and figures referenced reflect 2025 parameters and are subject to change. Figures including IRMAA thresholds, NIIT thresholds, QCD limits, standard deductions, and gift exclusions have been verified against IRS and CMS sources. Please consult a qualified CPA or tax professional regarding your individual situation. Creative Financial Group is not a fee-only firm.
Kurt Supe, John Culpepper and Brian Quick offer securities through cfd Investments, Inc., Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA & SIPC, 2704 South Goyer Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, 765-453-9600. Kurt Supe, Andrew Drufke and Brian Quick offer advisory services through Creative Financial Designs, Inc., Registered Investment Adviser. Creative Financial Group is a separate and unaffiliated company. The CFD Companies do not provide legal or tax advice.
[Free Book] Tax-Smart Retirement
In this book, I will teach you how to use the tax code to your advantage and significantly reduce your risk of overpaying the IRS when you retire. Whether you are a financial novice, or very experienced, this is a must-read for anyone with retirement plans.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Andrew is always so knowledgeable and helpful.
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Joy Rupenthal
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Having a great retirement thanks to Brian Quick!!!
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David Critchfield
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very friendly , helpful and knowledgeable.
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Verna Underwood
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
BRIAN has been very helpful planning and executing our retirement plans, while reducing tax liability. He is also guided us on the best way to stage our funds for our beneficiary that would reduce their tax liabilities.
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Sandi Norman
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Brian has been great to work with and has been so forward and honest with us. We feel like our investments are well taken care of and going in the right direction
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Susan Nehez
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I highly recommend Creative Financial Group. I started working with CFG before I retired 10 years ago. They helped me see that I could retire and they guided me through the retirement process. They helped me navigate the sometimes complex process including completing forms, etc. I've been very pleased with the investment guidance provided. They always make sure we are comfortable with our investments. They meet with us on a regular basis and are always willing to address any questions or concerns. Every staff member is friendly and accommodating. Several family members have enjoyed their service, as well!
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Wendy Bravard
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great people to work with. Went to a library learning session and set an appt with Brian. Decided based on the discussions to relocate to their services. Brian and Miya have been absolutely great, easy to talk to and they listen to our wants and needs, calls and emails have all had great response time. Great at keeping me informed on the status and processes. They successfully moved/consolidated our funds in less than 30 days (the last service I used took over 9 months and never got everything in place, and the rep was not responsive to calls or emails in a timely manner). I am really happy with the switch and look forward to working with CFM.
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Lisa Cheney
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Trust is of the utmost importance when you are dealing with financials, and Brian goes above and beyond to earn that trust! We are grateful for CFD!
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Tristan Englert
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Creative Financial Group has been handling my investments and retirement accounts for over 5 years. My advisor, Andrew, takes the time to genuinely get to know me, as well as my priorities and future plans. This ensures that I am financially secure in both the short and long term. I would highly recommend CFG to anyone looking to plan ahead or make the most out of their financial situation.
No material compensation is paid for client testimonials. Client experiences vary, and testimonials speak to the particular client experience, and are not representative of all client experiences. Testimonials are available at search -Creative Financial Google Reviews. The client providing the testimonial does not have any material conflicts of interest as it relates to the testimonial provided.
Ready to See What’s Possible?
Whether you’re close to retirement or have already retired, we believe you deserve a plan you can trust, and a team that treats your retirement like it’s their own.
Brian has over 26 years of experience in the financial services industry. His focus is on tax diversification planning through utilization of tax-efficient/tax-free income strategies, comprehensive financial planning and financial security planning focused on risk management. Brian’s objective is to provide you with the highest level of service, so you can focus on what’s important to you.
Brian’s professional designations include: ChFC: Advanced planning for every person, every need. That’s the promise of a ChFC®(Chartered Financial Consultant®) designation from The American College of Financial Services.
As a Chartered Financial Consultant, Brian can offer advanced knowledge in a holistic way regarding:
Insurance Planning
Retirement Planning
Income Tax Strategies
Investment Planning
Estate Planning
CLU: The premier designation for insurance professionals, Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) is the insurance profession’s oldest standard of excellence. With particular emphasis placed on ethics and commitment to clients, the CLU® has earned a distinguished reputation backed by security and stewardship.
As a CLU, Brian can advise on:
Long-Term Care Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Insurance Planning for Business, Estate, Tax and Risk Management
Brian has five children and one grandchild. He enjoys spending time with his family and watching IU, the Colts and Notre Dame football. He was born in Indianapolis and enjoys serving his fellow Hoosiers.
Charles Schwab
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Andrew Drufke believes everyone should have access to high-end financial planning. His goal is to be a valuable source of knowledge and comfort for others. He makes confidence and clarity a top priority in guiding others on their financial path. Andrew is knowledgeable on Social Security, tax planning, investments, legacy planning, Medicare, income and retirement planning.
Born and raised in Downers Grove, Illinois, Andrew graduated from Illinois State University. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)® and Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® which enhances his knowledge of financial, health, and social issues that seniors face. He is also a published author of educational pieces on tax and investment planning in Kiplinger. In addition, he is the co-author of Tax-Smart Retirement book: A Guide for the Age 50-75 Crowd to Lower and Erase Taxes.
A proud resident of the Indianapolis community, Andrew is happily married and has three kids. He spends his time attending cheerleading, softball, soccer, coaching baseball along with otherkid activities. When it’s time to get away, nothing beats a secluded cabin on a lake. He is inspired by Jim Rohn who declared: “Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you can’t get more time.”
John Culpepper
Senior Partner and Co-Founder
John Culpepper has been working in the financial services industry since 1997. John has developed his mission during this time to provide independent advice for his clients that fit their individualized needs financially.
John’s interest in investments began when he was a student at Indiana State University. While studying for his bachelor’s degree in business, he was presented with the opportunity to intern with a local financial firm. It was during this internship that John’s passion for finances was sparked and the accolades for his work began. John was mentioned in Sports Illustrated and USA Today because of his productivity and his new client acquisitions as an intern with the firm. John is also a published author of educational financial pieces in Kiplinger, a national business and finance publication.
In addition to a great internship, Indiana State University provided John the opportunity to meet his beautiful wife, Michelle. They have been happily married since 1999 and together are raising three amazing children in Greenwood, Indiana. John works very hard at providing balance for himself and his family between work and home life. John is an aquarist and loves to maintain his beautiful salt water fish tanks. He also enjoys golf, and he’s currently displaying the 2016 Double Eagle Tournament League trophy in his office. He enjoys fantasy football, Colts football, traveling, fishing, watching movies and spending as much time with family and friends as possible.
John met his current business partner, Kurt Supe, while working at a financial company. They immediately forged a life-long friendship and quickly determined that they shared some basic core values, and both agreed that selling products to clients that they do not need to meet a quota was not what either of them wanted. This was the reason they partnered and opened Creative Financial Group. John works closely with every client to understand their financial holdings and plays an integral role in producing clients’ “individualized” plans with Kurt. John has developed the skills to work with every client to help them capture in writing their financial and retirement goals. John focuses on his client communication and service as he continues to ensure all clients enjoy their experience of becoming a member of his Creative Financial Group family.
Kurt Supe, CPA
Advisor and Chief Investment Officer
Kurt Supe became interested in the investment industry through the help of his grandmother, who assisted him in researching and purchasing blue chip stocks and then watching them grow over time. He has 20-plus years of experience in the financial services industry.
Kurt also serves as the firm’s Chief Investment Officer, overseeing the Best In Class Portfolios and managing $350 million in assets for clients. He is also still hands-on in planning for clients and supports the advisory team daily.
After graduating from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Kurt entered the world of finance with 5/3 Bank. He quickly discovered the benefits to his clients of becoming an independent financial advisor. In 2003, Kurt partnered with John Culpepper to form the business now known as Creative Financial Group. Kurt and John are now free from sales quotas and product placements and can serve clients in the manner that best suits their individual needs and goals.
In his quest to offer his clients the best service and breadth of knowledge, Kurt obtained a license as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He views continuing education as instrumental to being able to provide his clients with the best financial advice and informed recommendations.
Kurt is a contributor for WIBC radio and has appeared on a number of other local media affiliates, including ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC.
Kurt is an accomplished speaker and has given presentations to many groups, including:
INCPA (Indiana CPA Society)
ITPA (Indiana Tax Practitioners Association)
IACAC (Indiana Association for College Admission Counseling)
Public and private seminars and insurance sales presentations
A resident of Indianapolis, Kurt is happily married and has two children and a dog. His family enjoys going to Kentucky Wildcat football games (where Kurt is famous for sacking Peyton Manning). He also enjoys hunting, fishing and cooking.
