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Mastering the 2025 Tax Overhaul: A Guide for Individuals and Businesses

As tax season approaches, individuals and businesses nationwide are gearing up to navigate the extensive changes brought about by the 2025 tax reforms. At the heart of these adjustments is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a sweeping piece of legislation poised to reshape the landscape of tax reporting and compliance. From recalibrated child tax credits to revamped deduction guidelines, OBBBA seeks to streamline tax preparation and deliver tangible benefits to everyday Americans. This article delves into the essential elements of OBBBA and other significant updates, equipping taxpayers with the insights needed to strategically tackle tax season. Whether your goal is optimizing deductions or ensuring timely and accurate filing, staying informed is your greatest tool in collaborating efficiently with tax advisors or accountants this year.

Understanding the concept of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is crucial before delving into the myriad of changes affecting 2025. AGI, a cornerstone of the U.S. tax system, reflects a taxpayer's total income for the year after subtracting specific deductions, such as retirement account contributions or student loan interest. It serves as the foundation for determining taxable income and eligibility for various tax credits and deductions. On the other hand, Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) extends AGI by reinstating certain deductions and exclusions, like foreign income or tax-exempt interest, depending on the specific tax provision. MAGI is critical for assessing eligibility for income-dependent benefits or credits and provides a broader income measure. When a tax provision phases out, its benefits gradually decrease as income exceeds a specified threshold, ensuring that advantages are targeted toward lower-income individuals or families.

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Let's explore some significant tax reforms starting in 2025, some of which are temporary and others lasting for a designated number of years.

Senior Deduction: Between 2025 and 2028, seniors aged 65 or older can claim a $6,000 deduction, with phase-outs for single individuals earning over $75,000 MAGI and married couples earning over $150,000 MAGI. This deduction phases out by $100 for each $1,000 over the threshold, and is accessible to both itemizers and standard deduction filers.

No Tax on Tips: A deduction up to $25,000 annually for qualified cash tips is available for the years 2025 to 2028, covering customary tip-receiving professions. This excludes specified service trades with a phase-out beginning at an AGI of $150,000 for singles and $300,000 for joint filers, reducing by $100 for every $1,000 over the limit.

No Tax on Qualified Overtime: During 2025 to 2028, a deduction up to $12,500 ($25,000 for MFJ) is allowable for overtime pay exceeding the typical hourly wage, with phase-outs for higher income earners.

Example:
Overtime Hourly Rate: $30.00
Regular Hourly Rate: 20.00
Deductible Amount: $10.00 per overtime hour.

For the 2025 tax year, employers can offer estimates for deductible overtime, with finalized IRS forms anticipated for 2026.

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Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Also effective from 2025 to 2028, individuals can deduct up to $10,000 annually in interest on loans secured by new personal-use passenger vehicles assembled in the U.S., excluding family loans and other non-personal vehicles.

Adoption Credit: The OBBBA introduces a refundable adoption credit, with a total credit of $17,280 in 2025, and a $5,000 refundable amount, both amounts adjusted for inflation in subsequent years.

Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): For QSBS acquired post-July 4, 2025, exclusion rates are scaled progressively based on holding period and capped exclusions.

In this constantly evolving tax environment, both individuals and businesses must remain astutely aware of the recent amendments that could heavily impact their financial strategies. Embracing these updates not only influences tax calculations but provides opportunities to gain strategic advantages when managed astutely. Our firm is dedicated to preparing clients to face new tax dynamics with well-crafted strategies while optimizing financial outcomes and ensuring compliance. Trust us to guide you through this intricate landscape, letting you concentrate on reaching your financial ambitions and securing tranquility in a perpetually changing tax setting.

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