On July 4th, 2025, President Donald Trump signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a sweeping piece of legislation that reshapes the American tax landscape and introduces a range of economic, social, and regulatory reforms. Below is an examination of the bill’s key provisions.

Key Provisions of the “Big Beautiful Bill”

Child Tax Credit

The child tax credit is permanently increased to $2,200 per qualifying child, with eligibility expanded to more families. Starting in 2026, the credit will be indexed for inflation. Additionally, from 2025 to 2028, there is a temporary boost raising the credit to $2,500 per child.

No Tax on Tips, Overtime, Social Security

Federal income tax is eliminated on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security income. This provision is designed to benefit service workers, hourly employees, and retirees by increasing their after-tax income.  .  However, phaseouts do apply so wealthier taxpayers will likely still owe tax.  Also, the social security deduction is temporary and is set to expire at the end of 2028.

Senior “Bonus” Deduction

Taxpayers aged 65 and older receive an additional deduction of up to $6,000 per eligible taxpayer for tax years 2025 through 2028, temporarily increasing their standard deduction to help offset retirement costs.

SALT Deduction Cap Raised

The cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions is raised to $40,000 for married couples (and $20,000 for individuals) earning up to $500,000. The cap will be indexed for inflation, increasing by 1% annually from 2026 through 2029. In 2030, the cap is scheduled to revert to $10,000 unless further legislative action is taken.

2.  Business and Investment Incentives

Immediate Expensing for Manufacturers

Companies can fully and immediately deduct the costs associated with constructing new manufacturing facilities. This provision is retroactive to January 2025 and applies to projects initiated before 2029. Eligible costs include land acquisition, construction, equipment, and machinery, aiming to spur domestic manufacturing investment.

Expanded Tax Credits for Semiconductors

The bill enhances tax credits for semiconductor manufacturers establishing or expanding U.S. operations. Eligible firms can claim up to 30% of qualified investment costs, including advanced fabrication equipment and workforce training, to promote domestic chip production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Small Business Expensing Cap

The Section 179 expensing cap for small businesses is doubled from $1.25 million to $2.5 million, allowing businesses to immediately write off the cost of qualifying equipment and software purchases. This change is intended to encourage small business investment and modernization.

Qualified Business Income Deduction

The deduction for pass-through business income is increased from 20% to 23%, with modifications to the phase-in rules and expanded eligibility for certain business development companies.

Made in America Auto Loan Interest Deduction

Taxpayers can now deduct interest paid on auto loans for new U.S.-made vehicles, incentivizing domestic automobile purchases and supporting American manufacturing jobs.

3. Social Programs and Spending Cuts

Medicaid Reforms

The law imposes stricter work requirements for Medicaid recipients: adults aged 19-64 must complete at least 80 hours of work or approved activities per month, with exemptions for the disabled, elderly, and caregivers. There are also more frequent re-enrollment periods and enhanced eligibility verification, measures projected to reduce Medicaid enrollment by up to 16 million by 2034.

SNAP (Food Stamps) Changes

States are mandated to increase their financial contribution to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). New work requirements are imposed on able-bodied adults without dependents, requiring at least 20 hours of work or training per week to maintain eligibility.

Student Loan and Clean Energy Cuts

Federal support for student loans is reduced, including lower borrowing limits and stricter income-based repayment terms. The bill also rolls back tax credits and direct subsidies for clean energy projects, affecting wind, solar, and electric vehicle initiatives.

4. Other Major Provisions

Defense and Border Security

The bill provides significant increases in funding for the military, missile defense systems, and the completion of the southern border wall. It also authorizes the hiring of thousands of new ICE and Border Patrol agents, as well as investments in surveillance and detection technologies.

Child and Dependent Care Credits

The child and dependent care tax credit is expanded, raising the maximum eligible expenses and making the paid leave tax credit permanent. These provisions aim to help working families manage care costs for children and dependents.

529 Education Savings Expansion

The allowable use of 529 education savings accounts is broadened to cover K-12 tuition, trade credentials, and apprenticeship programs. The maximum annual withdrawal is doubled from $10,000 to $20,000, providing families with greater flexibility in education spending.

Trump Accounts

The law establishes government-backed savings accounts for every American newborn, seeded with an initial federal contribution. These accounts are designed to grow tax-free and can be used for higher education, home purchases, or retirement, promoting long-term wealth building.

Air Traffic Control Modernization

$12.5 billion is allocated to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system, including upgrades to radar, communications, and automation infrastructure to improve safety and efficiency.

Energy Policy

The bill expands domestic oil and gas production by opening new federal lands for exploration and streamlining permitting processes. The goal is to lower energy costs and reduce dependence on foreign energy sources.

Estate and Gift Tax Reform

The estate and lifetime gift tax exemption is permanently increased to $15 million for individuals ($30 million for married couples) starting in 2026, with future adjustments indexed for inflation.

Opportunity Zones

The bill makes the Opportunity Zone program permanent but introduces 10-year designation cycles and tighter eligibility criteria for census tracts. Investors can defer previously recognized gains for up to five years and receive a 10% exclusion after a five-year holding period. Additional incentives are provided for investments in rural Opportunity Zones, and new reporting requirements are imposed on funds and businesses.

Employer-Provided Child Care Credit

The maximum credit is raised from $150,000 to $500,000, and the percentage of qualifying expenses covered is increased from 25% to 40%. Small businesses receive a separate, higher cap and percentage. All amounts are indexed for inflation.

Dependent Care Assistance

The exclusion for employer-provided dependent care is increased from $5,000 to $7,500.

Final Takeaway

Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a transformative piece of legislation, delivering tax relief, business incentives, and increased federal spending on defense and border security.   As the law’s provisions take effect, Americans across the income spectrum will feel its impact within their paychecks, workplaces, and communities for years to come.  

Time will tell the true legacy of the bill and how its benefits and burdens are distributed—and how economic growth may materialize.

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