The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, established by Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code, allows owners of pass-through businesses — sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, and certain trusts and estates — to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income from their federal taxable income. Originally set to expire after 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made the deduction permanent.
At its simplest, the deduction equals 20% of QBI. But for higher-income taxpayers, the rules become more complex. The deduction may be limited based on W-2 wages paid by the business, the unadjusted basis of qualified property (UBIA), whether the business is a Specified Service Trade or Business (SSTB), and the taxpayer's overall taxable income.
Use the calculator below to determine your QBI deduction, see which limitations apply to your situation, and estimate your federal tax savings.
| Filing Status | Full Deduction Below | Phase-Out Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single / Head of Household | $191,950 | $191,950 – $241,950 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $383,900 | $383,900 – $483,900 |
Example:A single sole proprietor earning $120,000 in qualified business income (below the $191,950 threshold) receives a straightforward QBI deduction of $24,000 (20% × $120,000). At the 22% marginal rate, that saves $5,280 in federal taxes.
Calculate your Section 199A Qualified Business Income deduction for pass-through entities.
Your taxable income from all sources, not including QBI
Net income from your pass-through business
SSTBs include doctors, lawyers, accountants, consultants, athletes, financial advisors, and performing artists
Total W-2 wages paid by the qualified business (including to yourself if S-Corp)
Unadjusted Basis Immediately After Acquisition of qualified property (equipment, real estate)
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. It does not account for aggregated QBI from multiple businesses, carryforward of QBI losses, or the REIT/PTP component of the Section 199A deduction. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
If your taxable income is below the threshold ($191,950 single / $383,900 married), your QBI deduction is simply 20% of your qualified business income, subject to the overall limit that it cannot exceed 20% of your total taxable income (computed before the QBI deduction). No W-2 wage or UBIA tests apply at this level.
Once your taxable income exceeds the upper threshold ($241,950 single / $483,900 married), the deduction for non-SSTB businesses is limited to the lesser of 20% of QBI or the greater of: (a) 50% of your share of W-2 wages paid by the business, or (b) 25% of W-2 wages plus 2.5% of the unadjusted basis immediately after acquisition (UBIA) of qualified property. In the phase-out range, these limits are phased in proportionally.
SSTBs face stricter rules. These businesses involve the performance of services in fields such as health, law, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, consulting, athletics, financial services, brokerage services, or any trade where the principal asset is the reputation or skill of one or more employees or owners. If your income exceeds the phase-out range, the QBI deduction for an SSTB is completely eliminated. Within the phase-out range, the deduction is reduced proportionally.
QBI must come from a qualified trade or business conducted within the United States. This includes income reported on Schedule C (sole proprietors), Schedule E (partnerships and S corporations), and certain trust or estate income. Investment income, W-2 wages you receive as an employee, guaranteed payments from partnerships, and reasonable compensation paid by an S corporation are excluded from QBI.
Need help optimizing your pass-through deduction?
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