Map Your 2025-26 Brackets
Run a two-year projection to spot how much income still fits below today’s lower brackets and the new $200 K / $150 K surtax line.
2025 Tax Law Explained—In One Quick Read
Skip the 1,200-page bill. Our guides highlight the key updates and common planning considerations for business owners, professionals, and near-retirees.
Why It Matters in 15 Seconds
Low Brackets Hold to 2029
The familiar
10 %–24 % brackets stick around four more years. Every salary dollar, bonus, or Roth-conversion slice you accelerate into 2025-29 lands in cheaper territory—saving roughly 3-5 % per dollar.
Bigger Standard Deduction
The baseline write-off jumps to
$15,750 single / $31,500 joint (indexed). More filers can take one simple deduction and skip itemizing—automatic tax relief with zero paperwork.
Investment Surtax Hits Sooner
The 3.8 % NIIT now starts at
$200 K AGI (joint) / $150 K (single). Dividends, rental cash-flow, and fund sales can cross the new line faster—strategy matters.
100 % Write-Offs Are Back
Equipment, vehicle, and rental upgrades placed in service
before 2030 qualify for full bonus depreciation—one-year expensing that can wipe out six-figure profits.
Top Changes Most Households Will Feel
| Change | What it means | Tax effect |
|---|---|---|
| Brackets stay 10 % – 24 % through 2029 | Four more “sale-price” years for Roth conversions & income shifts. | ▼ Keeps tax lower |
| Bigger standard deduction | Now $15,750 S / $31,500 J (indexed) — up $2,300 for joint filers. | ▼ Lowers taxable income |
| SALT cap rises to $40 K | High-tax-state filers may itemize again and beat the new standard deduction. | ▼ Extra deduction |
| 3.8 % NIIT threshold drops | Surtax now hits at $200 K / $150 K AGI. | ▲ Raises tax for some |
| 100 % bonus depreciation returns | Gear, vehicles & rentals placed before 2030 can be expensed in one year. | ▼ Immediate write-off |
| Child-Tax Credit bumps to $2,200 | Plus full inflation indexing—up $200 per child. | ▼ Bigger family refund |
| HSA contribution limits increase | More dollars can grow triple-tax-free. Up $250 for joint filers. | ▼ Triple-tax win |
Download Your Guide
Scaling a Business, Falling Behind on Planning
≈ $150k – $600k pass-through profit • QBI ceiling plays. • Bonus-depreciation moves
High Pay, No Tax Plan
≈ $250k – $600k household income. • NIIT shield tactics. • Mega-back-door options
Retirement Is Closer - and Riskier - Than You Thought
≈ $125k – $350k taxable income. • Bracket timing. • Roth-conversion runway
Not seeing yourself here?
Download the 2-Minute Summary Guide instead.
Three Smart Moves for 2025
- ①
- ②
Double-Check the Basics First
Max your 401(k), HSA, and charitable “bunching” before chasing advanced tactics.
- ③
Lock In the Moves You’ll Actually Use
Pick the 2–3 tactics (bonus depreciation, Roth slice, gain timing) and schedule them now so they happen.
Ready for Tailored Tax Planning?
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