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Understanding 2025's Tax Overhaul: Key Changes Ahead

As tax season approaches, individuals and businesses are gearing up to navigate significant changes in the 2025 tax landscape. Central to these shifts is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a broad tax reform initiative. This legislation introduces numerous adjustments impacting all taxpayer categories, whether a single filer, a family, or a business owner. From enhanced child tax credits to revised deduction guidelines, the OBBBA aims to make tax preparation more advantageous for many Americans. This article will dissect the core provisions of the OBBBA and other critical updates, ensuring individuals and businesses are primed for the upcoming tax season. Whether your goal is maximizing deductions or precision filing, staying informed is your best ally in collaborating with tax professionals this season.

Before delving into the changes for 2025, it's crucial to grasp Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), a pivotal figure influencing many new tax provisions. AGI represents a taxpayer's total income for the year after specified deductions, such as contributions to retirement accounts or student loan interest. It serves as a benchmark for computing taxable income and eligibility for several tax credits and deductions. Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) further expands AGI by adding back certain exclusions like foreign income or educational expenses, crucial for assessing eligibility for specific benefits. Faced with phaseouts, tax benefits taper as income surpasses set thresholds, ensuring they target appropriate income brackets.

Key Changes for 2025:

  • Senior Deduction: From 2025-2028, seniors 65+ can claim a $6,000 deduction. It phases out for those with MAGI over $75,000 (single) and $150,000 (joint). Both itemizers and standard deduction filers qualify.
  • No Tax on Tips: A new deduction up to $25,000 per year is introduced for eligible cash tips in customary tipping roles. Phases out above $150,000 AGI (single) and $300,000 (joint).
  • Overtime Deduction: Deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 for MFJ) on overtime earnings starting 2025, phasing out over specified MAGI limits.
  • Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 annually on interest for loans on new personal vehicles. Phases out above set income thresholds.
  • Adoption Credit: OBBBA introduces a partially refundable $17,280 credit for 2025, with adjustments for inflation and phase-out ranges specified.
  • Child Tax Credit: Enhanced to $2,200 with $1,700 refundable for dependents under 17, phasing out beyond certain MAGI thresholds.
  • Environmental Tax Credits: Most credits terminated after 2025, including electric vehicle and clean energy credits.
  • SALT Deduction Limit: Raised to $40,000, with gradual phase-down at higher income levels, reverting in 2030.
  • Super Retirement Plan Catch-Up Contributions: Enhanced limits for individuals 60-63 starting 2025.
  • 1099-K Reporting: The reporting threshold is reverted to its original level, restoring $20,000 gross payment and 200 transactions.
  • Sec 529 Plans: Expanded to cover additional educational expenses, enhancing flexibility.
  • Qualified Small Business Stock: New exclusion rates and caps enhanced post-July 2025.
  • Research Expenditures: New deductible rules for domestic expenses.
  • Business Interest Deduction: Revised limits based on EBITDA, with additional future restrictions.
  • Section 179 Expensing: Raised limits for asset expensing, with specifics on phase-out thresholds.
  • Bonus Depreciation: Permanently allows immediate write-offs for qualifying assets.

It's vital for taxpayers to stay abreast of these sweeping changes to strategically plan and optimize their tax liability. Working closely with tax experts can help ensure compliance and maximize financial benefits in this evolving tax scenario. Join us at our firm to understand how these updates can align with your financial strategy, ensuring you meet your financial aspirations while adeptly navigating the new tax landscape.

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