š 2025 OBBB āNo Tax on Overtimeā ā What Tax Pros Need to Know
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) signed into law in July 2025 introduces a new federal income tax deduction for qualified overtime compensation beginning with the 2025 tax year. This is one of the major individual tax provisions impacting filing this season. š What the Law Does ⢠Employees may deduct qualified overtime pay from federal taxable income on their 2025 return ā up to $12,500 for individuals or $25,000 for joint filers. ⢠The deduction is available whether the taxpayer itemizes or claims the standard deduction. ⢠Qualified overtime generally means the premium portion paid under the Fair Labor Standards Act ā the extra above the regular rate (e.g., the āhalf-timeā portion of time-and-a-half). š Reporting & Calculation for 2025 ⢠Employers are NOT required in 2025 to separately report qualified overtime on Form W-2 or 1099s ā thereās a transition rule for the first year. ⢠Because of this, taxpayers may need to calculate the qualified overtime deduction themselves using pay stubs or employer statements. ⢠Guidance (IRS Notice 2025-69) and Form 1040 instructions will explain how to determine the deduction amount and where to claim it (likely on a new Schedule 1-A attachment). š Phase-outs & Limits ⢠The deduction begins to phase out for modified AGI over $150,000 ($300,000 married filing jointly). ⢠The overtime provision expires after tax year 2028 unless Congress extends it. ā ļø Key Practitioner Points ⢠Overtime pay is still full taxable wages for payroll tax (Social Security/Medicare) purposes. ⢠Proper documentation is essential for clients claiming the deduction ā employers may not provide separate reporting for 2025. ⢠When updated W-2 reporting becomes required in tax year 2026, the calculation will be easier. š¬ Summary for Tax Season Tax professionals should prepare to: 1. Educate clients on this new deduction, not an exclusion. 2. Help clients calculate qualified overtime amounts when separate reporting isnāt yet provided. 3. Ensure claims are supported with documentation ā pay stubs or written employer statements. 4. Watch for updated IRS forms and instructions (Schedule 1-A).