The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made some long-awaited permanent changes to the tax code. It also introduced short-term tax breaks that come with strict limits and phaseouts, and many of them are only available through 2028 or 2029. Here are four ways to get the most out of the OBBBA’s temporary provisions as you file your 2025 taxes and plan ahead.
1. Don’t Dismiss Itemizing Your Deductions
The OBBBA temporarily boosts the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 (for married couples filing jointly and single filers). This higher cap applies from 2025 through 2029.
Run the numbers: For 2025, the standard deduction is $31,500 for married couples and $15,750 for singles. If your total itemized deductions—including mortgage interest, charitable giving, and state and local taxes (up to the new $40,000 cap)—add up to more than your standard deduction, you should itemize.
