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Mastering the Section 199A Pass-Through Deduction

The Section 199A pass-through deduction, or Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, provides noteworthy tax savings for eligible business owners. This provision permits individuals to subtract up to 20% of their qualified business income derived from domestic businesses, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, trusts, or estates. Fully comprehending the complexities of Section 199A is crucial for effective tax planning and compliance strategies.

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    Basic Overview of the Section 199A Deduction

    • Definition of Qualified Business Income (QBI): QBI encompasses the net amount of qualified income, gains, deductions, and losses from any qualified trade or business, distinctly excluding investment income, like capital gains, dividends, and non-business interest income.
    • Origins of the Section 199A Deduction: Enacted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, it aimed to offer tax relief to entities not benefiting from the corporate tax rate reduction. Originally set to expire in 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has rendered the deduction permanent, thereby broadening its applicability.
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    Distinction Between Qualified Trades or Businesses (QTB) and Specified Service Trades or Businesses (SSTB)

    • Qualified Trades or Businesses (QTB): Owners in this category can avail of the full 20% deduction without income phaseouts, provided they meet wage or property criteria. Examples include manufacturing, retail, and other non-service sectors.
    • Specified Service Trades or Businesses (SSTB): This encompasses fields such as health, law, accounting, performing arts, and financial services. Here, professionals might face phased deduction based on income thresholds.
    • Congressional Intent for the Distinction: Historically, service industries have been treated distinctly under various tax codes, ensuring that incentives primarily foster growth in manufacturing and non-service fields.
  • Calculation Details and Income Thresholds

    • Impact of Taxable Income: An individual's taxable income determines deduction availability for SSTBs. Higher incomes can result in phased deductions or total ineligibility. The OBBBA has increased these thresholds, expanding qualification scenarios for SSTBs.
    • Wage Impact on QTB Deduction: For QTBs, the deduction is limited to the lesser of 20% of QBI or the sum of 50% of business wages, or 25% of wages plus 2.5% of the business's qualified property.
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    Changes and Updates Under the OBBBA

    • New Minimum Deduction Effective in 2026: From 2026 onwards, a baseline deduction guarantees benefits for small business owners, irrespective of wage or phaseout stipulations. Benefiting both QTBs and SSTBs with limited income or wage structures, this ensures simpler tax planning. The baseline deduction is $400 for taxpayers with at least $1,000 in QBI from active trades or businesses, adjusted for inflation in subsequent years.

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The Section 199A pass-through deduction remains an integral element of tax planning for business owners, marrying incentives across diverse industries while catalyzing economic endeavors. Given its complexity, tax professionals are indispensable in leveraging these intricacies to ensure both compliance and maximized benefits. We encourage reaching out for tailored guidance and assistance in optimizing your tax strategies.

Schedule Your Estate & Gift Consultation
Our team specializes in estate, gift, valuation, and forensic accounting matters. Book a confidential consultation to discuss your needs and get clear, actionable strategies.
Book a Consultation
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