📌 2025 OBBB “No Tax on Overtime” — 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. 🔎 What the Law Does • Employees may deduct qualified overtime pay from federal taxable income on their 2025 return — 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 — the extra above the regular rate (e.g., the “half-time” portion of time-and-a-half). 📄 Reporting & Calculation for 2025 • Employers are NOT required in 2025 to separately report qualified overtime on Form W-2 or 1099s — there’s 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). 📊 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. ⚠️ 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 — employers may not provide separate reporting for 2025. • When updated W-2 reporting becomes required in tax year 2026, the calculation will be easier. 💬 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 isn’t yet provided. 3. Ensure claims are supported with documentation — pay stubs or written employer statements. 4. Watch for updated IRS forms and instructions (Schedule 1-A).