The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, delivers sweeping tax changes aimed at working Americans. Here are two of the most popular—and potentially lucrative—updates:

No Tax on Tips and Overtime

Workers in service, healthcare, and manufacturing industries stand to benefit from two new deductions:

  • Tips Deduction: Up to $25,000 in reported tips can be deducted from taxable income (2025–2028).
  • Overtime Deduction: Up to $12,500 in overtime pay can be deducted annually.

Eligibility Highlights:

  • Available to both itemizers and standard deduction filers.
  • Phases out for incomes over $150,000 (single) or $300,000 (joint).
  • Applies only to tips and overtime reported on W-2s or 1099s.

Impact: A police officer earning $15,000 in overtime could shave thousands off their tax bill. A restaurant worker with $20,000 in tips may see a full refund of taxes withheld on that income.

Expanded Standard Deduction

The bill permanently enhances the standard deduction:

Filing Status Old Deduction New Deduction (2025)
Single $15,000 $15,750
Married Joint $30,000 $31,500

 

Additionally, seniors age 65+ get a bonus $6,000 deduction per person—$12,000 for married couples.

 

Impact: Most taxpayers—especially retirees and middle-income earners—will see lower taxable income and simpler filing.

These deductions are above-the-line, meaning they reduce AGI and can unlock other tax benefits. For clients with fluctuating income or high tip/overtime exposure, this is a prime opportunity to revisit withholding strategies and optimize quarterly estimates.  Give us a call for more info/clarification, or contact your tax advisor.