What the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ means for your finances

The new legislation likely has implications for all federal tax-filers in the United States.

The sweeping tax and spending law signed on July 4, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, includes key provisions and potential financial planning opportunities for individuals and families.

The scope of the changes emphasizes the value of having a collaborative professional team, in which your trusted financial, tax and accounting advisors work together to consider your unique circumstances.

This listing is by no means comprehensive to the nearly 900-page law, but you can start here to understand the potential impacts of the tax law changes for you and your family.

Key tax items

If you’re still working as a solopreneur, you can actually deduct Medicare Part B and D premiums – even if you don’t itemize. Supplemental Medicare and Medicare Advantage costs are also deductible. But not everyone can deduct – this only applies if you don’t have access to a health plan for your business or through your spouse’s employer or business.

Tax rates and standard deductions

Notably, the law extended the tax cuts from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which were set to expire at the end of 2025, affecting the 2026 tax year. The lower tax rates, which range from 10% to 37%, are now permanent in that they have no expiration date. Also, standard deductions were increased for the 2025 tax year: $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for those married filing jointly.

Gift and estate exemptions

Thresholds introduced in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act were extended and now have no expiration date. The limits had been scheduled to expire at the end of 2025, and reversion to the previously lower thresholds could have had substantial intergenerational wealth implications for families with sizeable estates.

Under the new law, the gift and estate tax exemptions increase from $13.99 million for single filers and $27.98 million for married couples filing jointly in 2025 to $15 million and $30 million, respectively, in 2026.

SALT cap expansion

The law temporarily raised the state and local tax, or SALT, deduction cap to $40,000, with a 1% increase in the cap each year until 2029, before reverting to $10,000 in 2030. The expanded deduction begins to phase out for those with more than $500,000 in modified adjusted gross income, though all taxpayers can claim at least $10,000.

Senior “bonus” deduction

The law added a new deduction for taxpayers over age 65 for each year from 2025-2028. A source of some confusion, this deduction is not tied specifically to Social Security. Rather, it applies to all tax filers 65 and older: $6,000 for single filers and $12,000 for joint filers. This deduction begins to phase out at $75,000 modified adjusted gross income for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers. 

Charitable deduction for non-itemizers

The law reintroduced and increased the deduction for qualified charitable contributions even for taxpayers who don’t itemize. Effective in tax years following 2025, individuals can deduct up to $1,000 and joint filers can deduct $2,000. Once it takes effect in 2026, this provision does not expire.

Child Tax Credit

The law permanently increased the credit from $1,000 to $2,200 in 2025. The credit begins to phase out for single filers with modified adjusted gross income above $200,000 and joint filers above $400,000.

Car loan interest

For tax years 2025-2028, up to $10,000 of interest can be deductible, provided the vehicle was assembled in the United States. This deduction is subject to income limits for loans acquired after 2024.

Electric vehicle credits

Eligibility was narrowed.

Tips deduction

From 2025 to 2028, workers in eligible industries can deduct up to $25,000 in tips from taxable wages. This deduction begins to phase out for single filers with more than with modified adjusted gross income above $150,000 and joint filers above $300,000.

Overtime pay deduction

From 2025 to 2028, single filers in eligible industries can deduct up to $12,500 in overtime pay, though the deduction begins to phase out at modified adjusted gross income above $150,000. Joint filers can deduct up to $25,000, with the phase out beginning at $300,000.

Key financial items

529 savings plans

The law expanded the eligible expenses for which 529 funds can be used. Previously, 529 funds for K-12 students could be used primarily for tuition, with an annual limit of $10,000. Expenses such as tutoring, testing fees, dual enrollment, and educational therapy for children with disabilities are now eligible. And the annual amount was increased to $20,000 starting in 2026.

The law also increased student loan payback from $10,000 to $25,000 per beneficiary, allowed for post-secondary credentialling to pursue a trade or designation, and made permanent rollovers from 529 to ABLE accounts.

New savings accounts for children

The law introduced tax-advantaged accounts for minors. While there are no income or earnings requirements, there are restrictions on withdrawals and investment options.

Children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, will receive a $1,000 initial government contribution. Annual contributions of up to $5,000 can be made until the child reaches 18.

Withdrawals cannot be made until the year the minor turns 18, at which point the account follows traditional IRA rules. Distributions will be taxed at ordinary rates for earnings, plus a 10% penalty if applicable.

Student loans

Certain borrower-friendly provisions were rolled back.

Next steps

From saving strategies to timing for purchasing a new car, there is much to consider in the new law’s provisions. As you review these takeaways, consider which items could apply to you and your family. You may find your tax bill is smaller – or your refund larger – creating opportunities for strategic saving, spending or charitable giving.

As always, having a plan will help you be most effective.

Changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.