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One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What Changes in 2025 and What Affects Your Finances in 2026

OBBBA tax changes 2026

Introduction 

On July 4, 2025, Congress enacted legislation commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). This Big Beautiful Bill update marks one of the most discussed federal tax developments in recent years and is widely associated with the broader Trump Big Beautiful Bill policy direction. The OBBBA tax changes 2026 framework makes several 2017 tax cuts permanent, introduces new deductions, raises certain limits, and accelerates the phase-out of some green energy tax credits. 

Many taxpayers are asking when the Big Beautiful Bill goes into effect, and the answer depends on the implementation timeline. While the law technically begins in 2025, many real-world financial effects occur as implementation progresses through 2026, when IRS withholding guidance and payroll systems update, refunds adjust, and eligibility rules for certain federal programs begin shifting. 

Workers earning qualifying tips and overtime income may see higher take-home pay once payroll updates are applied. Families also benefit as the Child Tax Credit increases from $2,000 to $2,200 per child beginning in 2026, subject to income phase-outs and inflation indexing. These updates form a core part of the OBBBA tax changes 2026 transition period. 

Businesses gain from restored immediate expensing provisions expected to improve cash flow. At the same time, some households may experience changes to federal assistance depending on agency guidance and state adoption of program rules, including adjustments related to the Beautiful Bill student loans provisions. 

For both individuals and businesses, these changes have important planning implications. Many U.S. companies are exploring solutions, such as partnering with a Global Capability Center (GCC) for Accounting & Finance Services, to navigate these updates efficiently. 

Certain dollar thresholds will be adjusted through IRS guidance and inflation indexing where applicable. 

Key Changes and Expected Implementation Timing 

Tax Rule 

Before OBBBA 

Statutory Amounts Set by the Law 

Expected Implementation Timing 

Income Tax Rates 

2017 rates expire in 2025 

Lower rates made permanent 

2026 tax filings onward 

Standard Deduction 

$13,850 (single) / $27,700 (married) 

$15,750 (single) / $31,500 (married) 

2026 filings 

Senior Deduction 

Extra ~$1,850 for age 65+ 

Extra $6,000 (single) / $12,000 (married), phased out above $75k/$150k income 

2026 filings 

SALT Deduction Cap 

$10,000 

$40,000 until 2029, then $10,000 from 2030 

May affect refunds depending on withholding 

Tip & Overtime Income 

Fully taxable 

Tax relief provided for qualifying income 

Larger paychecks after payroll updates 

Child Tax Credit 

$2,000 per child 

$2,200 per child, inflation-indexed 

2026 returns (subject to phase-outs) 

Auto Loan Interest 

Not deductible 

Deduction allowed for qualifying U.S.-assembled vehicles 

2026 returns 

Child Savings Accounts 

None 

New child savings account provisions (details subject to guidance) 

Program rollout period 

Estate & Gift Tax Exemption 

~$13.6M per person 

~$15M per person / $30M per couple 

Estate planning immediately 

Bonus Depreciation 

Phasing down from 100% 

100% expensing restored 

2026 business cash flow 

Section 179 Limit 

$1.16M 

$2.5M 

2026 investments 

QBI Deduction 

Ends in 2025 

Permanent with higher income thresholds 

Long-term planning 

Energy Credits 

Extended into late 2020s 

Several credits phase out earlier 

Immediate action required 

Medicaid Eligibility 

No change 

Work requirements permitted for adopting states 

State implementation dependent 

SNAP Benefits 

Existing rules 

Eligibility rules tighten under program regulations 

Implementation dependent 

Student Loan Repayment 

Multiple IDR plans 

Federal repayment programs revised under separate education rules 

Future repayment adjustments 

This table provides a practical One Big Beautiful Bill Act overview for taxpayers trying to understand the summary standard deduction 2025 and related thresholds. 

Impact on Individuals 

  • Lower rates secured: Income tax brackets remain reduced beyond 2025. 
  • Higher standard deduction: More income becomes tax-free before itemizing under the OBBBA tax changes 2026 framework. 
  • Enhanced senior deduction: Larger deduction for taxpayers aged 65+. 
    Expanded SALT deduction: Higher deductions available until 2029. 
  • Income-based tax relief: Qualifying tip and overtime income may increase take-home pay once withholding updates occur. 
  • Child Tax Credit increase: Higher benefit with inflation adjustments and income phase-outs. 
  • Estate tax relief: Fewer estates subject to federal tax. 
  • Benefit eligibility changes: Medicaid or SNAP eligibility may change depending on state implementation. 
  • Student loan changes: Borrowers may need to adjust repayment strategies under updated federal programs tied to the Beautiful Bill student loans provisions. 

Impact on Businesses 

  • Permanent 100% bonus depreciation: Immediate expensing expected to improve cash flow 
  • Higher Section 179 limit: Larger upfront deductions for equipment and software. 
  • QBI deduction permanent: Continued pass-through tax savings. 
  • Energy credit phase-out: Shorter window for renewable tax benefits. 
  • Improved liquidity planning: Investments align more closely with tax savings timing under the OBBBA tax changes 2026 environment. 

Businesses working with a Global Capability Center (GCC for Accounting & Finance Services) can integrate these changes into their tax strategy more quickly through specialized compliance and reporting support. 

Planning Considerations with Explanations 

  1. Time-sensitive deductions expire after 2028—use them early. 
  2. Renewable energy credits require accelerated project timelines. 
  3. SALT deduction cap returns to $10,000 in 2030. 
  4. Permanent expensing encourages earlier asset purchases. 
  5. Estate exemption enables tax-efficient wealth transfer. 
  6. Budgets should be updated for the 2026 paycheck, and refund changes under the OBBBA tax changes for the 2026 transition period. 

For growing companies, outsourcing through a Global Capability Center (GCC for Accounting & Finance Services) helps track deductions across jurisdictions without overloading internal teams. 

Next Steps for Taxpayers and Businesses 

For individual taxpayers, proactive planning can significantly improve year-end tax outcomes. Start by reviewing income projections to understand which tax bracket you may fall into and whether deferring or accelerating income makes sense.  

Seniors should also evaluate eligibility for enhanced deductions, as age-based benefits can meaningfully reduce taxable income. Another important step is reviewing opportunities to maximize SALT deductions within allowable limits.  

Families claiming the child tax credit should update payroll withholdings to avoid unexpected balances due or large refunds. Finally, if you are planning to purchase a vehicle, consider timing the purchase carefully since tax credits or deductions may depend on the purchase date and eligibility criteria. 

For businesses, early tax planning is equally important for preserving cash flow and minimizing surprises. Companies should schedule capital expenditures strategically so depreciation and bonus depreciation benefits align with the current tax year.  

It is also essential to evaluate Qualified Business Income (QBI) eligibility and ensure documentation supports the deduction. Businesses investing in renewable or energy-efficient projects should complete qualifying installations early to capture available tax incentives before potential regulatory changes.  

Alongside these steps, organizations should update their long-term tax strategy to reflect changing regulations, projected growth, and operational goals. Thoughtful planning today helps businesses avoid reactive decision-making during filing season and positions them for sustainable financial efficiency. 

Many U.S. firms are turning to a Global Capability Center (GCC) for Accounting & Finance Services to maintain compliance and manage this Big Beautiful Bill update without expanding domestic teams. 

Read Also: GCC vs GBS Explained: Key Differences Between the Two Global Business Models

How KMK Ventures Can Assist 

At KMK Ventures, we provide strategic tax planning, compliance support, and real-time guidance to help you maximize legislative benefits. Through our Global Capability Center (GCC) for Accounting & Finance Services, accounting firms can expand capacity without adding permanent staff. 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates both opportunities and time-sensitive provisions. With proper planning, you can capture deductions, credits, and exemptions before they change. 

Conclusion 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces significant federal tax changes. By making lower tax rates permanent while creating new temporary opportunities and practical financial impacts as implementation progresses through 2026, it creates both long-term stability and short-term urgency. These developments define the broader OBBBA tax changes 2026 landscape. 

Proactive planning is essential. Whether you are an individual maximizing deduction or a business making strategic investments, acting early helps capture these benefits before they phase out.  

At KMK Ventures, our team, backed by a Global Capability Center (GCC for Accounting & Finance Services) approach, helps you navigate these changes with clear guidance and practical strategies so you stay ahead of evolving tax rules.

 

About the Author

Dev KothariDev Kothari, a seasoned leader at KMK, heads the Special Teams, where he leverages his extensive expertise in managing large-scale  accounting and tax return processing for U.S.-based clients. With a keen eye for workflow optimization and stakeholder collaboration, Dev drives exceptional efficiency and quality in high-volume project delivery. As a dual-qualified CPA (AICPA, Arizona) and Chartered Accountant (ICAI), Dev’s blend of strategic insight and technical prowess positions him as a key asset in ensuring KMK’s clients consistently achieve their financial goals.

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