alt image
alt image
alt image
alt image
alt image

LEARNING CENTER

Maximizing SALT Deductions: Insights and Strategies for Passthrough Entities

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction is a critical component in tax strategy, allowing taxpayers to deduct state and local taxes paid, which may include property, income, or sales taxes, from their federal tax returns, provided they itemize their deductions. Historically, this deduction has been instrumental in alleviating the burden of double taxation on the same income.

The Evolution of SALT Deductions

Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, there were no restrictions on the amount that taxpayers could deduct for SALT on their federal returns. This was particularly advantageous for residents in high-tax states such as New York, California, and Illinois. However, the TCJA imposed a cap of $10,000 on these deductions, significantly impacting taxpayers in these areas where state and local taxes often surpass this limit.

The recent legislative change through the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) offers a temporary reprieve, raising the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 starting in 2025, with subsequent annual 1% increases until 2029. Should no further action by Congress occur, the cap will revert to the original $10,000 in 2030. This move aims to address the grievances of high-tax states' representatives by providing incremental relief to affected taxpayers who itemize deductions.

Collaborative Planning

Considerations for High-Income Taxpayers

In tandem with these changes, the OBBBA introduces limitations specifically targeting high-income taxpayers. The enhanced SALT deduction cap is subject to a phase-out for those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above specified thresholds. For example, in 2025, a taxpayer with a MAGI exceeding $500,000 will start to see their deductible amount reduced by 30% of income over the threshold. Once MAGI reaches $600,000, the deduction is reduced back to $10,000, nullifying the benefits of the increased cap.

The table below illustrates these limitations and the gradual phase-out based on MAGI:

SALT DEDUCTION REDUCTION

Year

MAGI Phase Out Threshold

MAGI Reduced to $10,000

2025

$500,000

$600,000

2026

$505,000

$606,333

2027

$510,050

$612,730

Leveraging Passthrough Entity Strategies

A practical response to the federal SALT cap limitations is emerging from several states through the establishment of passthrough entity tax (PTET) structures. These systems permit S corporations and partnerships to remit state taxes at the entity level. By doing so, these entities can deduct state taxes at the federal level, thus navigating around the individual SALT deduction cap. In return, individual owners are granted a state tax credit, presenting a balanced solution for those confronting high state tax liabilities.

Business Consultation

This approach complies with IRS regulations and represents a savvy tax planning strategy for businesses and individuals in high-tax areas.

Conclusion

The landscape of SALT deductions is constantly evolving, shaped by legislative changes and innovative taxpayer strategies. While OBBBA provides a temporary lift of the SALT cap, it comes with strings attached for higher-income earners. Nonetheless, the creative use of PTET mechanisms by states showcases the adaptability of the tax system and taxpayers alike. This cooperative ingenuity offers a significant advantage for those seeking to maximize their tax efficiency amid federal constraints.

For detailed guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, particularly regarding PTET benefits, feel free to reach out to our office.

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

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 .

Get In Touch With Cherokee CPA

You can count on us for professional, timely, and reliable tax and accounting services. If you’re ready to get started, just fill out this form and we’ll be in touch.

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 .
I consent to receive SMS messages and agree with the