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Optimizing SALT Deductions: Strategies Amid Legislative Changes

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction offers a vital tax benefit by allowing taxpayers to reduce their taxable income through the deduction of state and local taxes, such as income, sales, and property taxes, on their federal tax returns when itemizing.

The Era Before OBBBA

Prior to the 2017 overhaul known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), taxpayers benefited immensely from the unrestricted SALT deduction. High-tax states like New York, California, and Illinois saw their residents deducting their entire state and local tax expenditures.

However, the TCJA imposed a $10,000 cap on the SALT deduction for both single and joint filers, and $5,000 for those married filing separately. This cap has deeply impacted taxpayers in states where taxes are notably steeper, commonly surpassing the set limit.

The Relevance of OBBBA

With the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), the SALT deduction landscape shifted once again. Starting in 2025, the cap rises to $40,000, incrementing by 1% annually until 2029. Post-2029, without further legislative adjustments, the cap reverts to $10,000.

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This revision addresses concerns from high-tax state representatives, enabling more taxpayers to benefit under the raised cap, particularly those who strategically itemize deductions.

Limits on Higher-Income Taxpayers

The OBBBA introduces a phase-out of the SALT deduction for high-income earners based on their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). For instance, those with a MAGI over $500,000 in 2025 see a 30% deduction reduction above this threshold, with a full phase-out at $600,000 MAGI, effectively reinstating the $10,000 limit.

Passthrough Entity Alternatives

Many states have countered the federal SALT cap through Passthrough Entity Tax (PTET) strategies. These provisions enable S corporations and partnerships to settle taxes at the entity level, thereby sidestepping the individual SALT deduction cap. Consequently, the entity claims the deduction federally, and individual owners receive state tax credits.

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This approach serves businesses in high-tax states, fostering compliance and offering strategic advantages to minimize tax burdens.

Conclusion

Taxpayers must stay informed about evolving SALT deduction frameworks, exploiting opportunities like PTETs to optimize tax efficiency. As legislative landscapes shift, strategic tax planning is essential—engage in proactive, informed measures with your tax advisor to navigate these changes.

Please contact our office if your MAGI impacts your SALT deduction to explore potential PTET solutions that could benefit your financial strategy.

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