Big Beautiful Bill Guide

Complete guide to understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) and its tax benefits

Bill Overview

Official Name: One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Bill Number: H.R.1

Status: Enacted into Law

Effective Period: Tax Years 2025-2028

Key Benefit: Significant tax relief for working families

Who Benefits

  • Service workers earning tips
  • Employees working overtime
  • Families with children
  • Senior citizens (65+)
  • Small business owners
  • High state tax areas

Major Tax Benefits

100% Tax-Free Income

Tip Income Exclusion

All tip income is completely excluded from federal income tax, including:

  • Cash tips from customers
  • Credit card tips processed by employers
  • Tip pooling and sharing arrangements
  • Service charges distributed as tips
Example: A server earning $18,000 in tips saves approximately $4,000 per year in federal taxes!
Overtime Income Exclusion

All overtime compensation is excluded from federal income tax, including:

  • Time-and-a-half pay (1.5x regular rate)
  • Double-time pay (2x regular rate)
  • Weekend and holiday premium pay
  • Emergency call-in overtime
Example: A worker earning $12,000 in overtime saves approximately $2,640 per year!

Enhanced Deductions & Credits

Enhanced Standard Deductions

Increased standard deductions for all filing statuses:

  • Single: $15,000 (vs $14,600 current)
  • Married Filing Jointly: $30,000 (vs $29,200 current)
  • Head of Household: $22,500 (vs $21,900 current)

Senior Bonus: Additional $1,650 for taxpayers 65 and older

Enhanced Child Tax Credit

$2,500 per child (increased from $2,000) for qualifying children under 17

Family Benefit: A family with 2 children receives an extra $1,000 per year!
Enhanced SALT Deduction

State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap increased from $10,000 to $30,000

Especially beneficial for residents of high-tax states

Business & Self-Employment Benefits

Enhanced QBI Deduction

Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction enhanced from 20% to 23%

Benefits small businesses, partnerships, S-Corps, and sole proprietorships

Additional Business Deductions

  • R&D Expense Bonus: 25% enhancement
  • Equipment Depreciation: 20% bonus
  • Small Business Bonus: $10,000 for qualifying businesses

Implementation Timeline

2025 Full Implementation

All provisions take effect for the 2025 tax year

2025-2028 Enhanced Benefits Period

Enhanced child tax credits and senior deductions in effect

2029+ Permanent Provisions

Tip and overtime exclusions, enhanced standard deductions continue permanently

How to Maximize Your Benefits

For Service Workers
  • Track all tip income accurately
  • Keep records of cash and credit card tips
  • Report tips separately from regular wages
  • Use our Individual Calculator to see savings
For Overtime Workers
  • Distinguish overtime from regular pay
  • Track time-and-a-half vs double-time
  • Keep payroll records for verification
  • Calculate potential tax savings
For Families & Seniors
  • Claim enhanced child tax credits
  • Take advantage of senior deductions if 65+
  • Consider enhanced standard deduction
  • Review SALT deduction benefits

Important Reminders

  • These provisions apply to federal income tax only
  • State tax laws may vary - consult local tax professionals
  • Keep detailed records of tip and overtime income
  • Use our calculators to estimate your specific benefits
  • Consult qualified tax professionals for personalized advice