08/17/2026
THE 2026 TAX CLIFF IS NOT HAPPENING!
The anticipated 2026 “Tax Sunset” has been largely eliminated. With One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the lower individual tax rates established under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are now permanent, and several new tax breaks are available for the 2026 tax year.
Here’s what you need to know:
💰 Tax Rates Stay at 10%–37%
The seven individual federal income-tax rates remain in place for 2026. The scheduled return to a top rate of 39.6% has been eliminated.
🏠 Higher SALT Deduction Limit
The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction limit increases to $40,400 for 2026 ($20,200 for married taxpayers filing separately). Higher-income taxpayers may be subject to a phase-down, so eligibility matters.
📈 Bigger Standard Deduction
For 2026, the standard deduction increases to:
• $16,100 for single filers
• $32,200 for married couples filing jointly
• $24,150 for heads of household
👴 New Senior Deduction
Eligible taxpayers age 65 or older may qualify for an additional $6,000 deduction per person — potentially $12,000 for a qualifying married couple. Income limitations and other requirements apply.
👨👩👧👦 Higher Child Tax Credit
The maximum Child Tax Credit increases to $2,200 per qualifying child for 2026, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
⏰ New Deduction for Qualified Overtime
Eligible workers may deduct qualified overtime compensation, up to $12,500 ($25,000 for married couples filing jointly). Income limitations and specific rules apply.
💵 New Deduction for Qualified Tips
Eligible workers may deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tip income. This is a federal income-tax deduction—not a blanket exemption from all taxes—and eligibility requirements and income phaseouts apply.
📊 Higher Retirement Contribution Limits
For 2026, the 401(k) employee contribution limit increases to $24,500, while the IRA contribution limit increases to $7,500, subject to applicable rules.
📌 THE STRATEGY
The 2026 tax landscape has changed significantly. Higher deductions, the new senior deduction, SALT changes, and deductions for qualified tips and overtime could all affect your tax planning.
Don’t wait until tax season to discover what these changes mean for you.
Let’s review your situation and develop a custom 2026 tax-planning strategy designed to help you take advantage of the deductions and credits you may qualify for.
📅 Contact us to schedule your 2026 Tax Planning Session!