OBBB GuideMarch 4, 202611 min read

Complete OBBB Deductions List for 2025: All Limits, Eligibility & Examples

Every OBBB deduction in one place. Based on IRS Schedule 1-A (IR 2026-28) with exact limits, eligibility requirements, and real-world examples. Don't leave money on the table.

The Complete OBBB Deductions List

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created five new deductions you can claim on Schedule 1-A, plus one automatic credit increase. Here's everything you can claim for tax years 2025-2028:

💰 Total Potential Savings

Maximum annual deduction: Up to $108,000 for married couples filing jointly ($77,500 single) if you qualify for all deductions. That's potentially$25,920 in tax savings at the 24% bracket.

All OBBB Deductions Summary Table

DeductionMax AmountIncome LimitSchedule 1-A Line
Overtime$12.5K / $25K MFJN/ALine 1
Tips$25,000$150K / $300K MFJLine 2
Car Loan Interest$10,000$100K / $200K MFJLines 3-4
Senior Deduction$6,000N/ALine 5
SALT Enhanced$40,000Phases out $400K+Line 6

1. Overtime Deduction (Schedule 1-A, Line 1)

Maximum Deduction

• Single filers: $12,500

• Married filing jointly: $25,000

• Married filing separately: $12,500

Key Requirements

• Only the "premium" (0.5x) portion

• Must be FLSA-required overtime

• Reported in W-2 Box 12 (Code OBBB)

What qualifies: The "half" portion of time-and-a-half overtime pay required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. If you earn $30/hour regular and $45/hour overtime, you can deduct the extra $15/hour portion.

💡 Real Example: Nurse Sarah

Sarah's a registered nurse earning $40/hour ($83,200 base salary). She worked 520 overtime hours in 2025:

  • Overtime pay: 520 hours × $60/hour = $31,200
  • Premium portion: 520 hours × $20/hour = $10,400
  • Deduction claimed: $10,400 (under the $12,500 limit)
  • Tax savings: $2,496 at 24% bracket

Calculate your overtime savings →

2. Tips Deduction (Schedule 1-A, Line 2)

Maximum Deduction

• All filing statuses: $25,000

• Phases out at higher incomes

Income Limits (MAGI)

• Single: Phases out $150,000+

• MFJ: Phases out $300,000+

• Complete phaseout at $175K/$325K

What qualifies: All tip income reported on your W-2 or Form 4137 if you "customarily and regularly receive tips" as defined by the Treasury. Must have valid Social Security number.

💡 Real Example: Server Marcus

Marcus works at a busy restaurant in NYC. His 2025 income:

  • Base wages: $15,600 ($7.25/hour × 2,080 hours)
  • Tip income: $42,000
  • Total income: $57,600 (under income limit)
  • Tips deduction claimed: $25,000
  • Tax savings: $3,000 at 12% bracket

3. Car Loan Interest Deduction (Schedule 1-A, Lines 3-4)

Maximum Deduction

• All filing statuses: $10,000

• Interest on qualified vehicles only

Income Limits (MAGI)

• Single: Phases out $100,000+

• MFJ: Phases out $200,000+

Qualified vehicles: Cars, minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks, motorcycles under 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight with final assembly in the United States. Must not be used predominantly for business.

⚠️ Critical Detail: US Assembly Required

Many taxpayers miss this: your vehicle must have final assembly in the United States. Check your vehicle information label (usually on driver's door frame) or look it up using your VIN.

💡 Real Example: Teacher Jennifer

Jennifer bought a 2024 Honda Pilot (assembled in Alabama) for $45,000 in January 2025:

  • Loan amount: $40,000 at 6.5% APR
  • Annual interest paid: $2,515
  • Income: $65,000 (under limit)
  • Car loan interest deduction: $2,515
  • Tax savings: $553 at 22% bracket

4. Senior Deduction (Schedule 1-A, Line 5)

Deduction Amount

• Fixed: $6,000 per qualifying taxpayer

• $12,000 if both spouses qualify

Age Requirement

• Must be 65 or older by Dec 31, 2025

• No income limits

Simple rule: If you're 65 or older by December 31, 2025, you get an automatic $6,000 deduction in addition to the standard deduction or itemized deductions. This is the easiest OBBB deduction to claim.

💡 Real Example: Retired Couple Bob & Linda

Bob (67) and Linda (69) are retired with $85,000 in pension and Social Security income:

  • Standard deduction (2025): $31,500 (MFJ, both over 65)
  • OBBB senior deduction: $12,000 ($6,000 each)
  • Total deductions: $43,500
  • Tax savings from OBBB: $1,440 at 12% bracket

5. Enhanced SALT Deduction (Schedule 1-A, Line 6)

Increased Limit

• New limit: $40,000 (was $10,000)

• Applies to state/local/property taxes

Income Limits

• Phases out starting $400,000 MAGI

• Complex calculation required

Major change: The SALT deduction limit increased from $10,000 to $40,000, but only if your modified adjusted gross income is under $400,000. This primarily benefits high-tax states like California, New York, and New Jersey.

💡 Real Example: NYC Family

The Johnsons live in Manhattan with $350,000 household income:

  • NYC property taxes: $18,000
  • NY state income tax: $28,000
  • Total SALT: $46,000
  • Old limit: $10,000 deduction
  • New limit: $40,000 deduction
  • Additional tax savings: $7,200 at 24% bracket

Income Limits Summary

Each OBBB deduction has different income limits. Here's where deductions phase out based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI):

🚨 High Earners: Phase-Out Warning

If you earn over $150,000 (single) or $300,000 (married), your tips deduction starts phasing out. At $175,000/$325,000, it's completely eliminated. Plan accordingly.

DeductionSingle FilersMarried Filing Jointly
OvertimeNo limitNo limit
Tips$150K - $175K phaseout$300K - $325K phaseout
Car Loan$100K+ phaseout$200K+ phaseout
SeniorNo limitNo limit
SALT$400K+ phaseout$400K+ phaseout

What About the Child Tax Credit?

The OBBB also increased the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $3,000 per child under 17, but this isn't claimed on Schedule 1-A. It's automatic on Form 1040 and doesn't count toward the deduction totals above.

Calculate Your Total OBBB Savings

Our calculator handles all five deductions with proper income phase-outs and integrates with tax bracket calculations for accurate savings estimates.

Next Steps

  1. Gather your documents: W-2s, 1099s, loan statements, property tax bills
  2. Check vehicle eligibility: Look up your VIN to confirm US final assembly
  3. Calculate your deductions: Use our calculator to see total savings potential
  4. Download Schedule 1-A: Get the latest version from the IRS
  5. File early: Beat the rush and get your refund faster

Questions about specific deductions? Check our detailed guides for overtime, SALT, and car loan interest.