Maximizing Benefits Through SALT Deduction Adjustments and Passthrough Entity Tactics

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction offers taxpayers a critical opportunity to deduct their state and local taxes, including income or sales taxes and property taxes, on their federal returns. This deduction traditionally mitigates the double taxation typically faced in high-tax states.

The Landscape Before the OBBBA

Prior to 2017's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), taxpayers enjoyed the ability to fully deduct state and local taxes, a benefit particularly advantageous in states like New York, California, and Illinois. However, the TCJA introduced a $10,000 cap on SALT deductions for individual filers and $5,000 for married individuals filing separately, sharply impacting those in high-tax regions.

Adjustments Under the OBBBA

The recent "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) modifies this cap, increasing it to $40,000 starting in 2025, with a gradual 1% increase annually until 2029. At the close of this period, absent further legislative changes, the cap reverts to $10,000.

SALT Deduction Cap
YearCap Amount
2024$10,000
2025$40,000
2026$40,400
2027$40,804
2028$41,212
2029$41,624
2030+$10,000

½ for married filing separately

This legislative transition responds to the vocal needs of constituents in high-tax states, enhancing possibilities for taxpayers who itemize deductions.

Considerations for High-Income Individuals

The OBBBA introduces phased reduction of the SALT deduction for high-income taxpayers, based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). In 2025, those exceeding $500,000 in MAGI will see reduced benefits, limited to $10,000 if MAGI surpasses $600,000.

For example, in 2025, a taxpayer with $600,000 in MAGI would see their deductible cut to $10,000, despite the higher cap, as a measure toward tax equity.

SALT Deduction Reduction
YearMAGI Phase Out ThresholdReduction 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

Strategic Passthrough Entity Workarounds

As a countermeasure to the SALT deduction cap, states have introduced passthrough entity tax (PTET) solutions. These allow S corporations and partnerships to incur state taxes at the entity level, enabling a federal deduction while offering owners state tax credits. This approach is particularly advantageous for high-income individuals engaged in businesses, aligning with IRS guidelines and optimizing tax planning strategies across high-tax locales.

Conclusion and Guidance

The evolution of SALT deductions reflects both legislative influence and strategic adaptability. Melvin P. Crilley, EA Inc. is equipped to provide tailored advice on leveraging these adjustments to benefit your financial portfolio. For personalized assistance and updates on PTET applicability in your state, contact our office for expert guidance.

Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
Type your question here.
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully