07/07/2025
π New 2025 Tax Law: 11 Big Changes That Could Save You Thousands πΈ
Effective starting January 1, 2025 (file on your 2026 return)
1οΈβ£ Tax-Free Tips & Overtime β Up to $25,000 Tax-Free!
β
Up to $12,500 (single) or $25,000 (married) in tips and overtime pay is excluded from taxable income.
π Example:
A restaurant worker earns $20,000 in tips and $5,000 in overtime.
β If married, the entire $25,000 is tax-free.
β If single, $12,500 is excluded, and the rest is taxed.
2οΈβ£ $6K Senior Deduction ($12K for couples)
β
Anyone age 65 or older can deduct $6,000 β or $12,000 per couple β even if taking the standard deduction.
π Example:
A retired couple over 65 earning $42,000 in pension income can reduce taxable income by $12,000 on top of the standard deduction, likely paying no tax.
3οΈβ£ Deduct Car Loan Interest β Up to $10,000 for U.S.-Built Vehicles
β
Up to $10,000 of personal-use car loan interest is deductible, but only for U.S.-assembled vehicles.
π Example:
You finance a new Ford Explorer and pay $4,800 in interest in 2025.
β You can deduct the full $4,800 if your income is under $100K ($200K joint).
4οΈβ£ $2,200 Child Tax Credit
β
Credit is $2,200 per child for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024.
β
Refundable portion remains $1,600 per child.
β
Indexed for inflation starting 2025 (rounded to the nearest $100).
π Example:
A family with 3 children qualifies for:
$2,200 Γ 3 = $6,600 total credit
If they owe no tax, they still receive $4,800 refundable (3 Γ $1,600)
The remaining $1,800 offsets any tax owed07032025-Legis-languageβ¦.
5οΈβ£ 23% Deduction for Small Biz (QBI)
β
The Qualified Business Income deduction rises from 20% to 23%.
π Example:
You run a sole proprietorship with $100,000 in net income.
β You now deduct $23,000 instead of $20,000, reducing taxable income to $77,000.
6οΈβ£ Estate Tax Exemption Raised β Up to $30M Tax-Free
β
The estate and gift tax exemption is doubled to $15M (individual) or $30M (married).
π Example:
You transfer $5 million in property to your children β no estate tax applies under the new exemption cap.
7οΈβ£ MAGA Accounts for Kids
β
Parents can open Money Accounts for Growth and Advancement (MAGA accounts) β similar to 529s or Roth IRAs.
π Example:
You contribute $2,000/year for 18 years β the account grows tax-free, and your child can use it for college or a first home.
8οΈβ£ Expanded HSAs β Covers More, Even if Spouse Has an FSA
β
You can now contribute to an HSA even if your spouse uses a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
β
More expenses are eligible β like OTC meds and menstrual care products.
π Example:
You put $3,850 in your HSA and use it to buy reading glasses, pain relievers, and insulin β all tax-free.
9οΈβ£ 100% Bonus Depreciation
β
Businesses can fully deduct qualified assets in the first year, restoring the 100% bonus depreciation rule.
π Example:
A business buys $120,000 in equipment in 2025 β it can deduct all $120,000 that year instead of spreading it out.
π Green Energy Credits Ending
β Tax credits for solar panels, electric vehicles, energy-efficient windows, etc., are phased out starting 2025.
π Example:
You install $20,000 in solar panels in 2026 β no more 30% federal tax credit unless installed before 2025 ends.
1οΈβ£1οΈβ£ Excise Taxes & Restrictions on Transfers + Medicare
β
A new 5% excise tax on remittance transfers applies unless the sender is a verified U.S. citizen.
β
Tighter Medicare eligibility rules for certain immigrants.
π Example:
You wire $1,000 to another country without U.S. ID verification β you pay a $50 federal excise tax.
Certain visa holders may no longer qualify for Medicare.
ποΈ All These Start in 2025!
Applies to income, deductions, and credits earned in 2025
You'll claim them when you file your return in 2026
Contact San Diego CPA at (858)246-6519 if you need assistance with Accounting, Tax and Audit.