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Unlocking Tax Savings: The Pass-Through Deduction Explained

The Section 199A deduction, or Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, is an essential tax-saving strategy for business owners operating in the United States. Through this provision, qualifying individuals can potentially deduct up to 20% of their QBI from various domestic business structures such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations. Mastery of the Section 199A deduction is pivotal for strategic tax planning and fulfilling compliance requirements.

  • Comprehending the Section 199A Deduction

    Understanding Qualified Business Income (QBI): At its core, QBI encompasses the net amount derived from the qualified activities of an eligible trade or business, excluding investment-type income like capital gains and dividends.

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    Origins of the Deduction: Embedded in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, this deduction aimed to ease the tax burden on pass-through entities not benefiting from lowered corporate tax rates. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) extended its longevity, ensuring its benefits continue.

  • Differentiating Qualified Trades from Specified Service Trades

    Qualified Trades or Businesses (QTB): Businesses falling under this category enjoy full deduction benefits, exempt from income phase-outs, provided they meet wage or property conditions. Examples include manufacturing and retail sectors.

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    Specified Service Trades or Businesses (SSTB): Fields such as healthcare, law, and accounting fall under SSTBs, where higher income levels could lead to phased-out deduction benefits, emphasizing the need for strategic income planning.

    Legislative Intent: Historically, service industries have seen distinct treatment compared to manufacturing, with Section 199A fostering growth within non-service sectors.

  • Calculation Details and Income Considerations

    Taxable Income's Influence: Income thresholds are crucial in determining SSTB deduction eligibility. The OBBBA raised these thresholds, broadening the deduction's reach to more SSTB earners.

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    Wages and QTB Deductions: Limitations apply where deductions are curtailed by the wages paid, calculated as the lesser of 20% of QBI or a percentage of wages with property considerations.

  • Enhancements with the OBBBA

    New Minimum Deduction from 2026: Introducing a minimum deduction aims to safeguard smaller businesses, ensuring they benefit regardless of wage or phase-out levels, beginning with a base of $400, adjusted for inflation.

The Section 199A deduction stands as a critical tool in the tax planning arsenal for business owners, aligning fiscal incentives across industries to stimulate economic vitality. Navigating this complex tax field requires the expertise of tax professionals, who ensure both regulatory compliance and the maximization of deduction benefits. We invite you to reach out for personalized guidance and assistance in optimizing your tax strategies.

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