Business
Trump’s New Tax Bill: Major Breaks and Big Changes Ahead
The newly passed Trump tax bill is making headlines for introducing some of the most significant tax breaks and policy changes in years. Whether you’re a worker, parent, homeowner, or business owner, there’s a good chance something in this bill will impact your finances. Here’s a clear, detailed breakdown of what’s inside, who benefits, and what you need to know.
1. No Tax on Tips (With Restrictions)
Who Benefits: Workers in industries where tipping is customary (servers, bartenders, hair stylists, taxi drivers).
Key Details:
- Eligibility: Must work in a tipping industry, earn less than $150,000/year, and tips must be paid voluntarily (not as a service charge).
- Cash Only: Only cash tips are eligible (though there’s some debate if credit card tips count).
- Cap: Maximum of $25,000 in tax-free tips per year.
Fine Print:
This change won’t apply to office workers or high earners. For many, the main benefit is being able to report cash tips for things like loan approval, without paying extra tax.
2. No Tax on Overtime Pay
Who Benefits: Employees earning less than $150,000/year who work more than 40 hours a week.
Key Details:
- Deduction: You can deduct the full amount of your overtime pay from your taxable income, making it effectively tax-free.
- Time Frame: Applies to income earned from 2025 to 2028.
- Note: Only a small percentage of workers regularly receive overtime, but for those who do, the savings could be substantial.
3. $40,000 State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction
Who Benefits: Taxpayers in high-tax states who itemize deductions.
Key Details:
- New Cap: Raises the SALT deduction limit from $10,000 to $40,000.
- Income Limit: Only for those with adjusted gross income under $500,000.
- Must Itemize: You’ll need to itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction ($30,000 for most).
Fine Print:
This mostly helps people in states like California, New York, and New Jersey. If your state/local/property taxes are high, this could mean thousands in savings.
4. Deduct Interest on Personal Car Loans
Who Benefits: Buyers of American-made vehicles with loans.
Key Details:
- Deduction: Up to $10,000 in interest paid on a personal car loan can be deducted each year (2025–2028).
- Income Phase-Out: Deduction phases out for singles earning over $100,000 and married couples over $200,000, disappearing entirely at $150,000/$300,000.
- Car Must Be Made in the USA.
Caution:
Don’t take out a bigger loan just for the deduction—only buy what you can afford!
5. $1,000 “Trump Account” for Newborns
Who Benefits: Children born in the U.S. from 2025–2028.
Key Details:
- One-Time Credit: $1,000 per eligible child, deposited into a special account.
- Investment Growth: Money can be invested and used for education, a first home, or starting a business—taxed at favorable rates.
- Unused Funds: If not used by age 31, the account is cashed out and taxed as regular income.
6. Clean Vehicle and Energy Credits Ending
Key Details:
- The $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit and other clean energy incentives will end by 2026.
- If you want these rebates, act fast before they’re gone!
7. Extension of 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Who Benefits: Business owners, high earners, and estates.
Key Details:
- Top Tax Bracket: Remains at 37% (was set to rise).
- Business Deductions: 20% pass-through deduction and 100% bonus depreciation for business investments extended.
- Estate Tax: Higher exemption amount continues.
8. Social Security Income Relief
Who Benefits: Retirees collecting Social Security.
Key Details:
- Extra Deduction: $4,000 added to the standard deduction for those on Social Security (phases out above $75,000 single/$150,000 married).
- Not All Income Tax-Free: This shields some, but not all, Social Security income from taxes.
What Does This Mean for You?
- Workers: More take-home pay if you earn tips or overtime.
- Families: $1,000 for each new child, plus potential savings if you itemize deductions.
- Car Buyers: Big deduction if you buy American-made and finance your car.
- Homeowners in High-Tax States: Major relief on state/local taxes.
- Business Owners: Continued access to significant tax breaks.
- Retirees: Extra deduction for Social Security recipients.
Share This!
If you found this breakdown helpful, share it with friends and family—these changes could mean thousands of dollars in savings for millions of Americans. Stay tuned for updates as the bill is implemented and more details emerge!
Have questions about how these changes affect you? Ask below!