We keep you up-to-date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.
On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) into law, introducing significant tax reforms that will impact business
introduces new deductions and credits aimed at stimulating economic growth and providing relief to taxpayers. Below is an overview of the eleven major changes that business owners should be aware of for their 2026 tax returns, along with any provisions that take effect in the 2025 tax year.
1. Permanent Extension of TCJA Provisions
The OBBBA makes permanent several key provisions from the TCJA that were set to expire after 2025. This includes maintaining the lowered individual income tax rates. There is a change to the standard deduction, which starts for married couples filing jointly at $31,500 for couples under 65 years old + $2000 Normal Deduction over 65 + $12,000 Additional Senior over 65 years old Deduction = $46,700 for both over 65 years old. For single filers the standard deduction starts at $15,750 + $2,000 Normal Deduction over 65 + $6,000 Additional Senior Deduction when over 65 = $23,750 for a single taxpayer over 65 years old. The additional senior deduction is phased out based on limitations adjusted gross income on a return in 2026 and later years.
2. No Change in Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction
The QBI deduction for pass-through entities such as S corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships has been 20% since 2018 and will not change. This deduction allows eligible business owners to deduct a larger portion of their qualified business income, effectively reducing their taxable income. However, limitations based on income levels and service-based businesses still apply.
3. Restoration of 100% Bonus Depreciation
Businesses can now immediately deduct 100% of the cost of qualifying assets, such as equipment and machinery, in the year the asset is placed in service. This provision is retroactive to January 20, 2025, and is particularly beneficial for businesses making significant capital investments. This should be welcome news for many business owners in Central Florida including cities such as Maitland, Winter Park and Altamonte Springs and throughout the USA looking to save more money in taxes each year starting in 2025.
Example:
Joe Smith, a business owner in Orlando, FL, purchases a $50,000 truck over 6,000 lbs in August 2025. Under the restored 100% bonus depreciation, Joe can deduct the entire $50,000 in the 2025 tax year. Assuming he is in a 24% tax bracket, this deduction would reduce his tax liability by $12,000 ($50,000 x 24%).
4. Expanded State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Cap
The SALT deduction cap has been increased from $10,000 to $40,000 for married filing joint taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) below $500,000. This change is temporary and will revert to the $10,000 cap after five years. This provision primarily benefits residents in high-tax states but can benefit higher income tax payers with higher itemized deductions is places such as Orlando and Central Florida .
5. New Deductions for Tips and Overtime Pay
Employees earning less than $150,000 annually can deduct up to $25,000 each for reported tips and overtime pay from their federal taxable income. This provision is effective from 2025 through 2028 and aims to provide tax relief to workers in hospitality industries such as restaurants and bars where tips and overtime are common.
6. Increased Child Tax Credit
The maximum child tax credit has been increased from $2,000 to $2,200 per qualifying child. Additionally, the credit is now indexed to inflation, ensuring that its value keeps pace with the cost of living. However, the refundable portion of the credit remains unchanged, which means that low-income households may not see a significant increase in their refundable credit.
7. Deductions for Meals and Entertainment
Businesses can still deduct only 50% of the cost of meals with clients or prospects, provided that business is discussed during the meal. A 100& deduction is still available for office parties or staff meals for events like Christmas lunches or dinners with staff. In-office coffee and snacks is no longer deductible. Also there is still no deductions for entertainment expenses like taking prospective or current clients to basketball games or golf outings. However, the meal cost at the events is still 50% deductible.
8. Auto Loan Interest Deduction for U.S.-Made Vehicles
Taxpayers can deduct up to $10,000 per year in auto loan interest for vehicles assembled in the United States and purchased between 2025 and 2028. This deduction phases out for individuals earning over $100,000 and couples earning over $200,000. The provision aims to support domestic manufacturing and provide relief to consumers purchasing American-made vehicles.
9. Temporary $6,000 Deduction for Seniors
Seniors aged 65 and older with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) below $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples) are eligible for a temporary $6,000 deduction. This provision is designed to reduce the tax burden on seniors and is set to expire in 2028.
10. Elimination of Certain Clean Energy Tax Credits
The OBBBA terminates several clean energy tax incentives that were previously available under the Inflation Reduction Act. This includes credits for solar and wind energy investments, which may impact businesses involved in renewable energy projects.
Impact on Energy-Efficient Home Improvements:
The termination of clean energy tax incentives also affects homeowners looking to make energy-efficient improvements. Credits for energy-efficient HVAC systems, windows, doors, and other improvements are no longer available for property placed in service after 2025. This change may influence decisions on home renovations and energy upgrades.
11. Estate and Gift Tax Exemption Amounts
The bill amends Sec. 2010 to permanently increase the estate tax exemption and lifetime gift tax exemption amounts to $15 million for single filers ($30 million for married filing jointly) in 2026 and index the exemption amount for inflation after that.
Conclusion
The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" introduces a range of tax changes that will affect business owners and their families starting with the 2025 tax year. These provisions offer opportunities for tax savings through increased deductions and credits but also require careful planning to maximize benefits and ensure compliance. Business owners should consult with tax professionals to understand how these changes apply to their specific situations and to develop strategies for the upcoming tax years. At Don Thomas CPA PA we are here to assist our clients with a review of their business finances and taxess to look at strategies to help them save money in taxes with the new tax rules. Contact us at https://donthomascpa.com/
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