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The One Big Beautiful Bill: Your Tax Changes Explained💼💰

Prudence Zhu

CPA, CFP®, CFT™

Posted on:
July 16, 2025

Welcome to the Era of “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) 🎉

If you love simpler finances, clearer tax rules, and a few pleasant surprises, the new “One Big Beautiful Bill” tax law will put a big grin on your face! Whether you’re a family, retiree, business owner, or hourly employee—this bill delivers new opportunities and a more empowering approach to tax season.

⚠️ Before We Dive In: Some of the new tax provisions in the OBBB come with income limitations or phaseouts—meaning higher earners may not fully benefit from every credit or deduction mentioned below. These rules can get complex fast, so it’s always smart to talk with an experienced CPA or financial planner (hey, that’s me!) before making any big financial moves.

Now let’s break it down in a way that’s fun, positive, and most importantly—actionable!

🌟 What’s New? The Sparkly Highlights

1. Bigger Standard Deductions

More money in your pocket, less paperwork. Here’s the new deal:

  • $15,000 for singles
  • $30,000 for married couples filing jointly
  • $22,500 for heads of household That’s a boost to everyone’s bottom line—and less reason to itemize!

2. Tax Brackets That Stick!

Feeling anxious about looming tax rate hikes? Relax! The friendlier tax brackets (10%–37%) are now permanent. That means more of your hard-earned money stays yours.

3. No Tax on Tips or Overtime (For Real!)

Working extra or relying on tips? You can now deduct up to $25,000 in tips and $12,500 in overtime through 2028—with phaseouts for higher incomes. Extra work pays off, literally!

4. Bigger Support for Families and Seniors

  • A beefed-up child tax credit: now $2,200 per child.
  • Seniors (65+): an extra $6,000 deduction. More golden years, less tax!

5. SALT Cap Sweetens the Deal

You can now deduct up to $40,000 in state and local taxes, up from just $10,000. High-tax state? This is your new best friend.

🚀 Biz Owners & Entrepreneurs: Welcome to Turbo Mode

1. 100% Bonus Depreciation Is Back

Buy new equipment, overhaul your tech, upgrade your workspace—all fully deductible in year one. That’s real encouragement to invest in your dreams.

2. Pass-Through Deduction Gets a Raise

If you’re a partnership, S-corp, or LLC, your 199A business income deduction jumps to 23%. It’s here to stay!

3. New R&D Expensing Power

Brainstorming the next big thing? Immediate write-offs for U.S. research costs make innovation more rewarding.

4. Auto Loan Interest Deduction

Up to $10,000 deductible if you buy a U.S.-assembled vehicle (with some income limits). Go green or just trade up—there’s a new financial bonus for you.

5. Expansion of the Small Business Exclusion (QSBS)

The One Big Beautiful Bill expands opportunities for those investing in or founding qualifying small businesses by enhancing the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusion:

  1. Company eligibility rises: Businesses with up to $75 million in assets at the time of stock issuance (up from $50 million) now qualify.
  2. Bigger gain exclusion cap: You can exclude up to $15 million in gains per issuer (previously $10 million), or 10× your investment basis—both amounts indexed for inflation.
  3. Tiered holding periods give flexibility:
  • 3 years: 50% of qualifying gains excluded
  • 4 years: 75% excluded
  • 5+ years: 100% excluded (same as before)

This update means more companies and investors benefit, and tax-free gains can be accessed sooner, supporting entrepreneurship and growth through more flexible exit strategies!

🏡 Estate, Gifts, & Fun Extras 🎁

  • Estate and Gift Tax Exemption Doubled: Now $15 million (single), $30 million (married). That means more flexibility for planning your legacy.
  • Special Child Savings Credits: “Trump Savings Accounts” give families a new $1,000 per child bonus for 2025–2028.
  • Clean Energy Credit Changes: Hurry—many existing credits sunset in 2025–2027, so don’t snooze if you want to take advantage!

📆 When Does It All Begin?

The magic mostly starts with the 2026 tax year (for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025), though some parts—like the tips and overtime deduction—kick in for 2025. This means there’s time to plan and strategize!

💡 Why This Matters

  • Simplicity: Less guesswork, fewer forms.
  • Empowerment: Be in control of your money.
  • Savings: Save more, give more, enjoy more.

💪 What Should You Do Now?

  • Take a peek at your paycheck and withholding. Still getting big refunds or surprise tax bills? It might be time to update your W-4.
  • Own a business? Friendly reminder: there are new ways to save—timing your big purchases could really pay off!
  • Curious what this all means for you? I’m always here to help you make the most of these changes—and cheer you on along the way.
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Tax season just got a lot less scary—and maybe a little bit exciting! Ready to optimize your plan and start living the life you want today? Let’s team up and make this new era work beautifully for you. Schedule a chat with me here: https://calendly.com/prudence-zhu/30min

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