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How the 2025 Tax Reforms Will Reshape Your Financial Future

In a historic move on July 4th, the "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act (OBBBA) was signed into law by the President, introducing a sweeping array of tax provisions that will affect taxpayers at all levels. While the act includes measures extending beyond 2025, this guide zeroes in on the changes slated for that year, ensuring taxpayers are well-prepared. As you assess these updates, consider their implications on your financial strategy and any actions necessary before year’s end, with immediate attention to expiring environmental tax credits.

This comprehensive guide offers crucial insights into the upcoming tax law amendments effective in 2025 under the OBBBA.

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  1. Increased Standard Deductions: From 2025, enjoy higher standard deductions — $15,750 for singles and married filing separately, $23,625 for heads of households, and $31,500 for married joint filers, with inflation adjustments thereafter.

  2. Senior Citizens' Deduction: Taxpayers aged 65+ gain a $6,000 deduction ($12,000 per qualifying couple) with MAGI caps at $75,000 for singles or $150,000 for couples. It complements, not replaces, the existing additional standard deduction for seniors and is available from 2025 to 2028.

  3. Enhanced Child Tax Credit: The nonrefundable credit rises to $2,200 per child. Phaseout thresholds are $400,000 for joint filers and $200,000 for others, requiring SSNs for both children and parents.

  4. Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): Post-July 4, 2025, QSBS can enjoy tiered gain exclusions: 50% for sale after three years, 75% after four years, and full exclusion after five years, subject to eligibility conditions.

  5. New Tip Deduction: Offering a deduction up to $25,000 for tip earners, subjected to AGI thresholds of $150,000 (or $300,000 jointly) beyond which the deduction reduces incrementally. Industries like health, law, and finance are excluded.

  6. Overtime Income Deduction: Above-the-line deduction for overtime exceeding regular rates, with phaseout at AGI exceeding $150,000 for individuals. Joint filing is mandatory for claiming this benefit.

  7. Car Loan Interest Deduction: Deduct up to $10,000 on interests for vehicles assembled in the U.S., with phaseouts starting at MAGI of $100,000 for singles, extending to $200,000 for couples.

  8. Partially Refundable Adoption Credit: Transforms into a partially refundable credit with up to $5,000 from 2025 through 2028, benefitting more adopting households.

  9. 529 Plan Flexibility: 529 plan funds can now cover more educational expenses, up to $20,000, including credentialing post-2025.

  10. Permanent Bonus Depreciation: Restore and permanently apply 100% bonus depreciation for business properties acquired post-January 19, 2025.

  11. Immediate Depreciation Allowance: Deduct 100% on specific production properties, focusing on new factory builds and improvements, applicable from mid-2025 through 2028.

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  13. 1099-K Reporting Revision: Restores higher reporting thresholds for third-party transactions — $20,000 and 200 transactions yearly.

  14. Termination of Clean Vehicle Incentives: Various clean vehicle credits will sunset by September 30, 2025, making 2025 the final year to capitalize on these green benefits.

  15. Domestic Research Expenditure Deductions: Enables businesses to immediately deduct qualifying research expenditures beginning in the 2025 tax year.

  16. SALT Deduction Adjustments: Significant temporary raise of SALT cap to $40,000 for 2025, gradually reverting to $10,000 by 2029, with limits based on MAGI.

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These updates offer profound insights into strategic planning for your tax future. For tailored advice on how these changes impact your personal or business finances, reach out to our office today. Our team at GeneralCents Accounting is here to help you navigate these complexities and achieve clarity and confidence in your financial decisions.

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