The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction has been a game-changer for small business owners since its introduction in 2018. Offering up to a 20% deduction on eligible business income, this provision has helped reduce tax burdens for millions of entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, and owners of pass-through entities.
Now, thanks to updates under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the QBI deduction isn’t just here to stay—it’s more generous and accessible than ever.
What Is the QBI Deduction?
The QBI deduction allows eligible business owners to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income, along with up to 20% of REIT dividends. This applies to income from U.S.-based sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, and certain LLCs. C corporations, however, are excluded.
Previously set to expire at the end of 2025, this deduction is now permanent under the OBBBA, giving taxpayers more stability when planning for the long term.
Who Qualifies?
You may be eligible for the QBI deduction if you’re:
- sole proprietor
- A partner in a partnership
- A shareholder in an S corporation
- An owner of an LLC treated as a pass-through entity
Your eligibility may depend on your taxable income and the type of business you operate.
For 2025, income phase-out thresholds begin at:
- $197,300 for individuals
- $394,600 for joint filers
The deduction is fully phased out at:
- $247,300 for individuals
- $494,600 for joint filers
Understanding the Limitations
If your income exceeds the applicable thresholds, the QBI deduction may be limited based on:
- 50% of W-2 wages paid by your business, or
- 25% of W-2 wages + 2.5% of qualified property cost (used in generating QBI)
Additionally, if you operate a Specified Service Trade or Business (SSTB)—such as law, consulting, healthcare, performing arts, or financial services—the deduction may be reduced or eliminated once your income crosses the phase-out thresholds.
What’s New Under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act?
The OBBBA enhances the QBI deduction in several impactful ways:
✅ 1. The Deduction Is Now Permanent
No more worrying about losing this benefit in 2025. With the OBBBA, the QBI deduction is here to stay, offering peace of mind and consistency for long-term tax planning.
✅ 2. Expanded Phase-In Ranges in 2026
Starting in 2026, the income ranges for applying deduction limits will expand, allowing higher-income business owners to qualify for partial deductions:
- $75,000 phase-in range for individuals (up from $50,000)
- $150,000 range for joint filers (up from $100,000)
These ranges will be adjusted for inflation annually, helping to preserve their value over time.
✅ 3. New Minimum Deduction Introduced
Beginning in 2026, taxpayers who materially participate in an active trade or business and have at least $1,000 in QBI can claim a minimum deduction of $400. This amount will also increase with inflation in future years, providing a baseline benefit even for smaller operations.
Why This Matters for Your Business
If you’re a business owner, these updates could significantly impact your tax liability and financial planning. The increased accessibility and permanence of the QBI deduction provide new opportunities to optimize income, wages, and property use to maximize tax savings.
Action Steps to Consider
Now’s the time to revisit your tax strategy. Here’s what you should do:
- Evaluate your current QBI eligibility
- Assess if you’re in a specified service trade or business
- Review your business structure to ensure you’re maximizing deductions
- Plan for 2026 thresholds and new minimum deduction rules
Tax strategies that were relevant last year may not be optimal moving forward. At Botwinick & Co., our tax professionals stay on top of legislative changes to help you adapt and plan with confidence.
FAQs About the QBI Deduction
Question: Who qualifies for the QBI deduction?
Answer: Sole proprietors, partners, S corp shareholders, and certain LLC members with qualified U.S. business income can claim the deduction. C corporations are not eligible.
Question: What is considered a “specified service trade or business”?
Answer: These include professions like law, health, consulting, accounting, financial services, and the arts, where eligibility may phase out at higher income levels.
Question: Is the QBI deduction still temporary?
Answer: No. Under the OBBBA, the deduction is now permanent, providing long-term planning opportunities.
Question: How do wage and property limits affect my deduction?
Answer: If your income exceeds certain thresholds, your deduction may be limited by either W-2 wages paid or a combination of wages and property used in the business.
Question: What’s new in 2026?
Answer: The OBBBA expands the phase-in range and introduces a new $400 minimum deduction (adjusted for inflation) for active participants with $1,000+ in QBI.
Ready to Take Advantage of the Enhanced QBI Deduction?
The recent updates under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act offer powerful opportunities to reduce your tax burden—but only if you plan ahead. Whether you’re unsure if you qualify or want to maximize your deduction, our expert team at Botwinick & Co. is here to help. We’ll review your business structure, analyze your income and deductions, and develop a tailored tax strategy that puts you in the best possible position moving forward.
Don’t wait—contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on maximizing your QBI deduction.
