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As tax season approaches, individuals and businesses alike are immersing themselves in the expansive tax reforms introduced for 2025. At the heart of these developments is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a significant piece of legislation that is poised to reshape tax preparation. This comprehensive act covers a gamut of changes that will directly affect tax returns for everyone—be it a working individual, family, or a small business owner. From revisions in child tax credits to updated deductions criteria, the OBBBA aims to enhance tax filing for everyday Americans. In this article, we will delve into the pivotal aspects of the OBBBA and other major updates, equipping you with the understanding necessary to navigate these changes proficiently. Whether your focus is maximizing deductions or ensuring accurate and timely filing, staying informed will be your greatest asset this upcoming tax season, especially when partnering with tax preparers or accountants.
Before addressing the multiple changes for 2025, understanding Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is crucial, as it heavily influences many new tax provisions. AGI represents a taxpayer’s total income for the year post specific deductions, like retirement contributions or student loan interest, and serves as a baseline for taxable income as well as tax credits and deductions eligibility. Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), however, is even broader, adding back certain deductions such as foreign income or educational expenses. This metric often determines eligibility for income-limited benefits or credits. Most tax provisions phase out benefits gradually beyond certain income thresholds—ensuring they target individuals or families below specific income levels.
Senior Deduction: From 2025 through 2028, seniors 65 and older can claim a $6,000 deduction each, tapering off for single earners with a MAGI above $75,000, and married couples over $150,000, reducing by $100 per $1,000 over. Both itemizers and standard deduction filers qualify.
No Tax on Tips: From 2025 to 2028, up to $25,000 annually of cash tips can be deducted in customary tip-receiving jobs, per IR-2025-92. This phases out beyond $150,000 AGI for singles, and $300,000 for joint filers, reducing by $100 per $1,000 beyond these limits. Employers will report these tips on W-2 forms, with separate statements permissible in 2025.
No Tax on Qualified Overtime: Also effective from 2025 to 2028, this provision allows deductions of up to $12,500 ($25,000 for married filing jointly) for overtime exceeding regular pay, phasing out for MAGI above $150,000 (singles) and $300,000 (married), reducing by $100 for every $1,000 over.
Example:
Overtime Hourly Rate: $30.00
Regular Hourly Rate: 20.00
Deductible Amount: $10.00 per overtime hour
For 2025, employers can estimate deductible overtime as IRS forms and guidance are pending, with required reporting on W-2 expected by 2026.
Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: From 2025 to 2028, deductions on up to $10,000 yearly interest on loan for U.S.-assembled personal vehicles weighing less than 14,000 pounds are permitted, excluding family loans or non-personal vehicles. Phase-out thresholds are $100,000-$150,000 for singles, and $200,000-$250,000 for married filing jointly.
Adoption Credit: Under OBBBA, this credit becomes refundable. For 2025, the credit is $17,280, with a $5,000 refundable amount, increasing to $17,670 and $5,120 in 2026, which phases out between $259,190 and $299,190 for 2025 across all filing statuses. Any excess is eligible for a 5-year carry-forward.
Child Tax Credit: The credit is raised to $2,200 ($1,700 refundable) for children under 17 from 2025-2028. It phases out at $400,000 MAGI for joint and $200,000 for other filers, dropping by $50 per $1,000 over these limits, requiring a work-eligible SSN for the child and one filer.
Environmental Tax Credits: Terminations include electric vehicle credits post-September 30, 2025, and the end of residential clean energy credits after December 31, 2025.
SALT Deduction Limit: Enhanced for 2025, the itemized deduction for state and local taxes is raised to $40,000, with phase-down starting at $500,000 MAGI, establishing a $10,000 floor at $600,000. In 2026, this adjusts to $40,400 and phase down from $505,000 to $606,333. It increases till 2029 before reverting to $10,000 in 2030 and beyond.
Super Retirement Plan Catch Up Contributions: From 2025, for ages 60-63, contributions are now $10,000 or 50% more than the standard, with specific caps for SIMPLE plans. Enhancements adjust with inflation from 2026.
Third Party Network Transaction Reporting (1099-K): Restores the $20,000 threshold and 200 transaction requirement for Form 1099-K, nullifying phased thresholds for 2024-2025.
Sec 529 Plans Qualified Funds Usage: Post-July 4, 2025, funds for elementary/secondary school and credentialing programs are expanded to cover associated expenses, enhancing 529 plans' flexibility.
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): Shareholders can exclude gains from QSBS acquired post-July 4, 2025, 50% at three years, 75% at four, and 100% at five years, with a cap increased to $15 million.
Business Expenditures: Starting in 2025, domestic research/experimental costs are deductible immediately, while foreign expenses remain amortized over 15 years.
Business Interest Deduction: Post-2024, the limit leverages EBITDA, increasing deductible potential for businesses, while additional limitations post-2025 include reduced ATI via foreign income exclusions, largely nullifying Section 163(j) election benefits. Small businesses with three-year average gross receipts under $31 million in 2025 are exempt, inflating to $32 million in 2026.
Minimum Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction: In 2025, a minimum $400 deduction is allowed for taxpayers with $1,000 QBI from actively managed businesses.
Qualified Production Property: A temporary provision promotes domestic production, enabling expensing of nonresidential real property, fostering investment in manufacturing and specified productions.
Section 179 Expensing: Businesses can immediately expense qualifying assets such as machinery, with caps for SUVs. OBBBA raised limits for Sec 179 from $2.5 million (2025) to $2.56 million (2026), phasing out at $4 million and $4.09 million, respectively.
Bonus Depreciation: Permanent 100% bonus depreciation allows immediate asset cost write-offs after January 19, 2025. Prior to this, 40% was applicable, incentivizing investment through accelerated tax deductions.
Understanding and adapting to these tax reforms is vital for maintaining and optimizing financial health. These changes not only redefine taxation but also provide avenues for strategic tax planning. At our Cincinnati-based practice, we are dedicated to helping our clients confidently embrace these reforms. With our guidance, you’ll gain insights into the impact of new provisions and craft strategies that sync with the latest regulations, optimizing your financial position. Let us navigate the intricacies of this evolving tax landscape together, securing peace of mind as you focus on achieving your financial aspirations.
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