Who qualifies for the OBBBA no-tax-on-tips provision?+
Workers in occupations that customarily and regularly receive tips — servers, bartenders, baristas, hairdressers, delivery drivers, valets, and similar roles. Tips can be deducted from federal taxable income up to $25,000 per year, but are still subject to FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare). The deduction phases out starting at $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 married filing jointly). Married filing separately filers cannot claim this deduction.
What is the AGI limit for OBBBA deductions?+
Each OBBBA provision has its own income phase-out. Tips and overtime phase out starting at $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 MFJ). The senior bonus deduction phases out at $75,000 ($150,000 MFJ). The auto loan interest deduction phases out at $100,000 ($200,000 MFJ). Phase-outs are gradual — your deduction is reduced as income exceeds the threshold, not eliminated at a hard cutoff.
Does FICA still apply to tips and overtime under OBBBA?+
Yes. The OBBBA only provides deductions for tips and overtime from federal income tax. Social Security tax (6.2%) and Medicare tax (1.45%) still apply to all tip and overtime earnings. This is an important distinction — your savings are from income tax only, not payroll tax.
When does the OBBBA expire?+
The tip, overtime, senior deduction, and auto loan interest provisions are effective for tax years 2025 through 2028 — a four-year window. After 2028, these deductions sunset unless Congress extends or makes them permanent.
How is the overtime tax deduction different from the tip deduction?+
The overtime deduction applies to FLSA non-exempt (hourly) W-2 workers for pay earned beyond 40 hours per week, up to $12,500 per year ($25,000 married filing jointly). The tip deduction applies to workers in occupations that customarily and regularly receive tips, up to $25,000 per year. A worker can potentially qualify for both if they are in a tipped hourly role.
How does the OBBBA senior deduction stack with the existing senior standard deduction?+
The OBBBA adds a $6,000 bonus deduction for taxpayers age 65 and older, claimed on Schedule 1-A (Form 1040 line 13b), on top of the existing additional senior standard deduction ($1,950 for single/HOH, $1,550 per qualifying spouse for married filing jointly). So a single senior could get the standard deduction ($16,100) plus existing senior addition ($1,950) plus OBBBA bonus ($6,000) = $24,050 total. Married filing separately filers cannot claim the OBBBA bonus.
What are the requirements for the auto loan interest deduction?+
You can deduct up to $10,000 in auto loan interest for new vehicles with final assembly in the United States, for personal use only, with a gross vehicle weight under 14,000 lbs. The loan must have been taken out during 2025-2028. The deduction phases out starting at $100,000 MAGI ($200,000 MFJ). Imported vehicles do not qualify regardless of brand. Married filing separately filers cannot claim this deduction.
Does the OBBBA affect my state income taxes?+
No. The OBBBA provisions only apply to federal income tax. State income taxes are calculated under each state's own rules and are not affected by this federal legislation. Some states may choose to adopt similar provisions separately.
Can salaried workers claim the overtime tax deduction?+
No. The overtime tax deduction under Section 111 of the OBBBA applies only to hourly workers. Salaried employees, even those who work more than 40 hours per week, do not qualify for this provision.
How accurate is this calculator?+
This calculator provides estimates based on the OBBBA provisions using 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions. Actual tax savings depend on your complete tax situation, including credits, other deductions, and specific state rules. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.