Maximizing Tax Efficiency: New SALT Deduction Strategies

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction offers taxpayers the opportunity to deduct state and local income or sales taxes, along with property taxes, on their federal tax returns when itemizing deductions. Traditionally, this deduction has served to alleviate the burden of double taxation.

Evolving SALT Deductions Pre-OBBBA

Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, taxpayers could fully deduct state and local taxes, a practice that significantly benefited those in high-tax states such as New York and California. However, the TCJA imposed a cap of $10,000 on the SALT deduction for joint filers and $5,000 for separate filers, impacting those with higher state taxes.Image 2

OBBBA: A New Chapter for SALT

With the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), a dynamic shift in the SALT deduction landscape emerged. Beginning in 2025, the deduction cap will rise to $40,000, increasing by 1% annually until 2029. However, unless Congress acts, the cap is slated to revert to $10,000 post-2029.

SALT DEDUCTION CAP

Year

SALT Cap

2024

$10,000

2025

$40,000

2026

$40,400

2027

$40,804

2028

$41,212

2029

$41,624

2030 and beyond

$10,000

½ those amounts for separate filers

This adjustment reflects efforts from high-tax states to advocate for more favorable deductions.Image 3

Tax Implications for High-Income Earners

The OBBBA introduces a phase-out of the SALT deduction based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for high earners. From 2025, those earning over $500,000 will see their deduction reduce by 30% of MAGI above the threshold, with a maximum deductible limit for incomes of $600,000 set at $10,000.

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SALT DEDUCTION REDUCTION

Year

MAGI Threshold

Reduction to $10,000

2025

$500,000

$600,000

2026

$505,000

$606,333

2027

$510,050

$612,730

2028

$515,150

$619,190

2029

$520,302

$625,719

Scenario Simulations

Consider scenarios in 2027: A taxpayer with a $523,000 MAGI would have a SALT deduction reduced from $40,804 to $36,919 due to threshold overshoot. Similarly, a $615,000 MAGI results in a deduction capped at $10,000.

Passthrough Entity Tax Solutions

In high-tax states, to counter the federal SALT cap, some have implemented passthrough entity taxes (PTET). Businesses structured as S corporations or partnerships can pay state taxes at the entity level, applying deductions federally, providing a workaround for high-income proprietors. This strategy harnesses IRS-compliant tax credits to benefit partners and shareholders.

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Concluding Thoughts

The evolution of SALT deductions underlines the intersection of federal limits with creative state-based strategies. While the OBBBA offers interim relief, passthrough tax mechanisms highlight adaptive tax planning for businesses. It's crucial for taxpayers to stay informed of ongoing changes and optimize strategies to align with current tax regulations.

For personalized advice on minimizing your taxable income through SALT deductions and PTET strategies, contact Haley Claypool & Associates or call 818-338-8700. Our offices in Newport Beach, CA, offer expert guidance for navigating these complex tax landscapes.

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Let's talk. We are here to help!
Contact Us
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