Business Tax and Legal

One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Explained: What US Business Owners Must Know for 2026

One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Explained What US Business Owners Must Know for 2026

The U.S. tax system is set to bring some major changes before 2026. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a big deal for business owners. The OBBBA law is a federal statute signed on July 4, 2025, as Public Law 119-21. It comprises the core of President Trump’s second-term economic agenda.

Many business owners may not yet realize the impact of this law. But it’s important to know before you file your 2026 tax return. It makes some old tax benefits permanent, while adding new rules for better functioning. This law is highly crucial for small businesses, LLCs, S-Corps, and companies with employees.

In this guide, we’ll look at the OBBBA law, its importance, and important facts that business owners should keep in mind now.

What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a new tax law in the United States. It brings major changes to both business and personal taxes. The OBBBA law is directly related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA).

Many of the benefits of the TCJA were scheduled to expire after 2025. Then, the law made many previous tax benefits permanent with additional new benefits. Plus, it makes TCJA provisions permanent, including estate tax exemptions, tax rates for individuals, and bonus depreciation, while adding new tax breaks for senior citizens.

The OBBBA made most of those benefits permanent, allowing business owners to plan for the long term. Some parts of the law go into effect in 2025, and the impact will be clearly visible in 2026 tax filings. So, it’s important to understand this in advance.

The major tax changes are:

  • The 100% bonus depreciation is back
  • The 20% QBI deduction is made permanent
  • Domestic R&D costs can be deducted immediately
  • The SALT deduction limit has increased
  • New tax benefits for tips and overtime

These changes can affect both your business’s taxes and cash flow.

Importance of the OBBBA for US Business Owners

The OBBBA implementation is more than just a tax update for business owners. It’s a huge opportunity for long-term planning. The new law has reduced uncertainty and made investment decisions easier.

Major importance of OBBA for US Business Owners:

  • Long-term tax certainty: The TCJA’s benefits are permanent. It makes future tax planning easier.
  • Cash flow improvement: 100% bonus depreciation and R&D expenses give businesses fast tax savings.
  • Investment incentives: Investing in new equipment or technology is now more profitable.
  • Hiring and expansion support: Less tax burden offers a possibility of more opportunities to grow your business.
  • Sectors that will benefit the most: Manufacturing, construction, retail, transportation, and service-based small businesses.

Risks to consider:

  • New reporting rules could result in fines
  • Cash shortages due to additional investments
  • Compliance costs could increase in some cases

This law can bring big benefits to businesses with proper planning.

Major Tax Benefits Under OBBBA

The OBBBA brings several major tax benefits to businesses. These changes are important for small businesses, LLCs, S-corps, and self-employed individuals. Here are the major benefits explained below.

TCJA Tax Cuts to be Permanent

Many popular tax benefits of the 2017 TCJA have now been made permanent. These benefits were supposed to expire after 2025, but the new law will give business owners to enjoy long-term security.

Key changes:

  • The personal income tax rate, from 10% to 37%, is now permanent
  • The increased standard deduction will continue
  • Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) relief will continue
  • Tax benefits for pass-through businesses have maintained

This permanence is very important in business planning. Previously, many owners were not sure about the benefits. Now they can plan long-term investments, hiring, and expansion.

100% Bonus Depreciation Restored

The OBBBA has reinstated 100% bonus depreciation, effective January 19, 2025. This creates a significant cash-flow benefit for businesses.

You can deduct the full cost of qualifying business assets (such as machinery, equipment, and certain interior improvements) in the first year you purchase them. Previously, this benefit was phased out.

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Eligible

  • Machinery
  • Equipment
  • Used property
  • Certain interior improvements

Both new and used properties can qualify, as long as they meet the rules. It reduces taxes in the year when the major purchase has been done.

QBI 20% Deduction Made Permanent (Section 199A)

The OBBBA made the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction under Section 199A permanent. This is a big advantage for pass-through businesses.

Eligible are:

  • LLC owner
  • S-corp owner
  • Partnership partner
  • Sole proprietor

Businesses that do not pay separate corporation tax generally get this benefit. There are some limitations on high income, especially for service businesses. So personal income levels are important.

A maximum deduction of 20% of the eligible portion of business profits can be taken on a personal return. Previously, there was a fear that this benefit would end. Now that it is permanent, pass-through businesses will be able to plan long-term taxes.

Re-evaluating the business structure (LLC vs. C-corp) can lead to additional savings in many cases.

Immediate Domestic R&E Expensing Returns

Another major change to the OBBBA is that domestic research and development (R&E) costs can now be deducted immediately. Previously, these costs had to be written off for over 5 years. Now, eligible R&D costs can be deducted in full in the year they are incurred.

In some cases, relief may also be available for costs that had to be amortized in 2022–2024 (via an amended return, if eligible).

The most benefited are:

  • Tech companies
  • Manufacturers
  • Product development businesses
  • Startups

The immediate deduction means lower taxes in the first year. This leaves the business with more cash on hand to reinvest.

Higher SALT Deduction Cap

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction limit has been temporarily increased from $10,000 to $40,000 (for the period 2025–2029) under the OBBBA.

Key points:

  • New cap: $40,000
  • Effective period: 2025–2029
  • May phase out at higher incomes

This change is especially beneficial for business owners in high-tax states. Many states also have pass-through entity tax (PTET) systems in place, which can provide additional benefits to SALT plans.

In short, business owners who previously could not take full deductions due to the SALT limit can now get more benefits.

No Tax on Tips and Overtime

The OBBBA has introduced a new temporary tax relief for employees, which will also affect business payroll plans.

Key benefits:

  • Deduction of up to $25,000 on tip income
  • Deduction of up to $12,500 on overtime income
  • Effective period: 2025–2028

This is not a completely tax-free deduction but rather an above-the-line deduction. Employers are now required to track tips and overtime separately on Form W-2. In addition, the new Schedule 1-A can be used on personal returns.

The most benefited are:

  • Restaurants
  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Service industries

In businesses where employees earn a lot of tips or overtime, this rule can provide additional net income to employees.

Estate and Gift Tax Exemption Expansion

The new law expands the Estate and Gift Tax exemption limits. This helps business owners plan for the future. Now, the tax burden on large asset transfers can be relatively less.

Key changes are:

  • New exemption limit for individuals: $15 million
  • Total exemption for couples: $30 million
  • This limit will increase in line with inflation from 2027
  • It will be easier to transfer large businesses to the family
  • New opportunities for estate planning have been created
  • Those with high assets should start planning now

This change makes business succession planning much easier. Previously, many families had to sell their businesses to pay taxes. Now that the pressure can be reduced. Family businesses, real estate owners, and high-net-worth individuals will benefit the most.

Key Compliance Changes Businesses Must Prepare

The OBBBA not only reduced taxes but also introduced some new compliance responsibilities. Business owners should prepare now. Here are the key changes.

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Higher 1099-K Threshold Restored

  • The previous thresholds are back: $20,000 and 200 transactions
  • The reporting burden on small online sellers will be reduced
  • But large e-commerce sellers will still need to be careful

Many small sellers will now be spared from the unnecessary 1099-K forms. But accurate recordkeeping is still essential.

Increased I-9 Audits and Immigration Costs

  • EAD fees increased
  • DHS/ICE enforcement tightened
  • Improper I-9 form errors increase the risk of penalties

Employer risk areas:

  • Incomplete I-9
  • Expired work authorization
  • Incorrect document retention

Businesses will need to tighten HR and compliance processes.

New W-2 Reporting Requirements

  • Tips and overtime must be reported separately
  • The payroll system needs to be updated
  • Employee data tracking is more important

Businesses that have a high tip base (such as restaurants) should prepare quickly.

New Employee Benefit Opportunities Under OBBBA

OBBBA has opened the door to new benefits for employees. Smart employers can use them to retain good talent.

New benefits:

  • Dependent Care FSA limit increased to $7,500
  • Childcare credit stronger
  • Student loan employer benefit is now permanent
  • HSA is easy to use
  • Telehealth benefits expanded
  • “Trump Accounts” for employees’ children launched
  • These can be used to increase employee retention

Opportunities for employers:

  • Providing good benefits increases employee satisfaction
  • Easier to recruit and retain
  • Total compensation packages are more attractive

Potential Risks and Planning Mistakes to Avoid

While OBBBA offers many benefits, improper planning can harm your business. So, it is important to know some common risks in advance.

Mistakes to avoid:

  • Wrong timing of equipment purchases: You may miss out on tax benefits if you fail to capture 100% bonus depreciation.
  • Misunderstanding QBI eligibility: Many owners think everyone will get a 20% deduction. Income limits and business types are important.
  • Missing the R&D amendment window: You may lose cash benefits if you do not amend expenses for 2022–2024 on time.
  • Payroll reporting mistakes: You may be fined if you do not comply with the new W-2 rules.
  • Growing your business too quickly: Overinvesting in the hope of saving money can increase cash flow pressure.
  • Interest rate and deficit risks: If interest rates increase in the future, your borrowing costs will also increase.

You will not get the full benefit of good laws without proper planning.

Action Plan for US Business Owners

Business owners should take some practical steps now to get the full benefit of the OBBBA.

What you should do:

  • Review the capital expenditure plan: You need to determine the year for buying equipment based on the new rules.
  • Reevaluate entity structure: You should evaluate which is more profitable, like an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp.
  • Update payroll and HR systems: You must always keep the payroll and HR systems updated. You can keep tips and overtime separate.
  • Audit I-9 compliance: It must also be verified that employee records are correct.
  • Update estate and succession planning: You must take advantage of new exemptions.
  • Run a cash-flow projection: Always calculate the future using the new tax rules.

You should talk to a tax professional in advance for better compliance. It will help you to make the next filing season much less stressful.

Conclusion

OBBBA is one of the biggest tax changes in our time. This has created new opportunities for businesses, lower taxes, more investment incentives, and improved employee benefits. However, these opportunities will only be useful if the business owner plans.

It is very important to create the right strategy before filing your return. You should always be prepared in advance because delaying can lead to missing out on many benefits. So, you should review accounts, update systems, and seek expert advice now.

Enterslice offers complete support for businesses from tax planning, compliance management, to strategic advisory services. Contact our expert team today and adapt your business to the new tax rules and move forward with confidence.

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Need-to-Know Questions About Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)

  1. What is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)?

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a major U.S. tax and economic reform law. It made many of the key benefits of the 2017 TCJA permanent and added some new tax relief. The goal of the law is to increase business investment, encourage employment, and provide long-term stability in tax planning. This is the most important thing for small and medium-sized businesses.

  2. When does OBBBA take effect on businesses?

    Many of the OBBBA rules have been in effect since 2025. Some benefits will take full effect in 2026 and beyond. For example, 100% bonus depreciation has returned from 2025. So, business owners should plan new rules now. Preparing in advance will make your next tax filing much easier.

  3. Who benefits most from the permanent QBI deduction?

    The permanent QBI deduction benefits pass-through businesses the most. This includes LLCs, S-corps, and sole proprietors. If the business profits go directly to the owner's personal return, then this benefit is usually available. Income limits and business types are important to avail these benefits.

  4. How does 100% bonus depreciation help small businesses?

    This rule is very useful for small businesses. If a business buys new or used equipment, the entire cost can be shown as a deduction in the first year. This reduces taxable income, so more cash will be available. Earlier, depreciation had to be taken over several years. Now the business can save on taxes and quickly increase investment.

  5. Can businesses amend past returns for R&D expenses?

    Yes, businesses can amend their R&D (Research & Experimentation) expenses for 2022–2024. The new rules again allow immediate expenses. This is more convenient than the previous amortization rules. However, there is a deadline for making amendments. So, it is better to review your previous returns from a tax professional without delay.

  6. What is the new SALT deduction limit?

    According to the OBBBA, the SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction cap has been temporarily increased from $10,000 to $40,000 (years 2025–2029). However, it may be gradually phased out for high-income taxpayers. This change is beneficial for business owners in high-tax states. However, the pass-through workaround should be considered separately.

  7. Are tips and overtime really tax-free now?

    Not completely tax-free, but the OBBBA has provided a deduction of benefits within certain limits. Eligible employees can deduct up to $25,000 in tips and up to about $12,500 in overtime income per year. So, accurate reporting is very important. Both employees and employers will have to keep accurate records of their income under the new rules.

  8. What new reporting requirements must employers follow?

    Employers will now have to report tips and overtime separately on their W-2 forms. This means that updating payroll systems has become a necessity for many businesses. Incorrect reporting can increase the risk of fines or audits. In addition, more care is now being taken in verifying I-9s and maintaining employee records.

  9. How does OBBBA affect estate planning for business owners?

    The OBBBA has increased the estate and gift tax exemption to about $15M (individual) and $30M (married). The tax burden during the transfer of a business inheritance can be reduced. Family business owners can now arrange trusts, share transfers, or succession plans. Those who own large assets should update their estate planning now.

  10. What should businesses do first to prepare for 2026?

    Businesses should first review their taxes and operations to prepare for 2026. It is a good idea to review their capital expenditure plan and entity structure first. Then, you should update your payroll system, do an I-9 audit, and do a cash-flow projection. Most importantly, you should contact a tax professional in advance to create a clear plan according to the new rules.

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