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.

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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

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Scaling a Business, Falling Behind on Planning

≈ $150k – $600k pass-through profit  • QBI ceiling plays. • Bonus-depreciation moves

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High Pay, No Tax Plan

≈ $250k – $600k household income. • NIIT shield tactics. • Mega-back-door options

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Retirement Is Closer - and Riskier - Than You Thought

≈ $125k – $350k taxable income. • Bracket timing. • Roth-conversion runway

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Three Smart Moves for 2025

  • 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.

  • Double-Check the Basics First

    Max your 401(k), HSA, and charitable “bunching” before chasing advanced tactics.

  • 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.

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