Quick Answer
The One Big Beautiful Bill increases Section 199A deduction limits to 25% (up from 20%), raises equipment expensing to $1.5 million, and creates new R&D credit provisions. Small businesses can save an average of $3,200-$8,400 annually depending on business income and structure.
Best Answer
Robert Kim, Tax Return Analyst
Business owners with $100,000-$500,000 in qualified business income who can benefit from enhanced deductions
What are the biggest changes for small businesses in 2026?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers three major wins for small businesses: an expanded Section 199A deduction, higher equipment expensing limits, and new R&D incentives. These changes can reduce your tax bill by thousands of dollars if you know how to use them.
Enhanced Section 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction
The biggest change is the Section 199A deduction increase from 20% to 25% of qualified business income. This applies to pass-through entities (sole proprietorships, S-corps, partnerships, and LLCs).
Example calculation: If your business generates $200,000 in qualified business income:
The income thresholds also increased. For 2026, the phase-out begins at $250,000 for married filing jointly (up from $231,050 in 2025) and $125,000 for single filers.
Increased Equipment Expensing (Section 179)
The Section 179 equipment expensing limit jumped to $1.5 million for 2026 (up from $1.22 million in 2025). The phase-out threshold increased to $3.75 million.
What this means: You can immediately deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment purchases up to $1.5 million, rather than depreciating them over several years.
Example: A construction company buying a $80,000 excavator can deduct the entire amount in 2026, saving approximately $19,200 in taxes (assuming 24% tax bracket).
New R&D Credit Provisions
The bill creates enhanced R&D credits for small businesses with gross receipts under $10 million. You can now claim a 25% credit (up from 20%) on qualifying research expenses up to $500,000 annually.
Qualifying activities include:
Key factors that affect these benefits
What you should do
1. Review your business structure with a tax professional to ensure you're maximizing Section 199A benefits
2. Plan equipment purchases for 2026 to take advantage of higher expensing limits
3. Document R&D activities thoroughly if you're developing products or processes
4. Consider income timing strategies to stay within beneficial thresholds
Use our return scanner to identify which of these new deductions apply to your specific business situation.
Key takeaway: Small businesses can save $3,200-$8,400 annually through the enhanced 25% Section 199A deduction alone, plus additional savings from higher equipment expensing limits.
*Sources: [IRS Publication 535](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p535.pdf), One Big Beautiful Bill Act Section 401*
Key Takeaway: The One Big Beautiful Bill's enhanced Section 199A deduction (25% vs 20%) and higher equipment expensing limits can save small businesses $3,200-$8,400 annually.
Section 199A deduction comparison: 2025 vs 2026 rules
| Feature | 2025 Rules | 2026 Rules (One Big Beautiful Bill) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deduction percentage | 20% | 25% | +5 percentage points |
| Single filer phase-out start | $191,650 | $125,000 | Lower threshold |
| MFJ phase-out start | $383,900 | $250,000 | Lower threshold |
| Equipment expensing limit | $1.22 million | $1.5 million | +$280,000 |
| R&D credit rate (small business) | 20% | 25% | +5 percentage points |
More Perspectives
Michelle Woodard, Tax Policy Analyst
Business owners with income above phase-out thresholds who need strategic planning to maximize benefits
Strategic considerations for high-income business owners
If your business income exceeds the Section 199A phase-out thresholds ($250,000 MFJ, $125,000 single), you need sophisticated strategies to maximize the One Big Beautiful Bill benefits.
Income management strategies
The enhanced 25% Section 199A deduction phases out completely at $350,000 (MFJ) or $175,000 (single). Consider these approaches:
Retirement plan contributions: Maximize SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k) contributions to reduce taxable income below thresholds. For 2026, you can contribute up to $70,000 to a SEP-IRA (25% of compensation).
Equipment timing: The $1.5 million Section 179 limit offers income reduction opportunities. A $300,000 equipment purchase can reduce taxable income enough to preserve Section 199A benefits.
W-2 wage limitations
Above the income thresholds, your Section 199A deduction is limited to the greater of:
Strategy: Consider electing S-corp status and paying reasonable W-2 wages to yourself to create the wage base needed for Section 199A.
What high earners should do
1. Model different scenarios with income timing and retirement contributions
2. Consider business structure changes before year-end 2026
3. Plan equipment purchases strategically for both Section 179 and Section 199A benefits
4. Engage tax counsel for complex multi-entity structures
Key takeaway: High earners need proactive income management and business structure optimization to capture the One Big Beautiful Bill benefits before phase-outs eliminate them.
Key Takeaway: High-earning business owners must use income timing strategies and consider S-corp elections to preserve access to the enhanced 25% Section 199A deduction.
Robert Kim, Tax Return Analyst
Family-owned businesses that can leverage multiple family members and succession planning with the new rules
Family business opportunities under the new rules
Family businesses have unique advantages under the One Big Beautiful Bill, particularly through income splitting and multi-generational planning strategies.
Income splitting with family members
The enhanced Section 199A benefits can be multiplied across family members. Each family member can claim up to 25% of their qualified business income, subject to individual thresholds.
Example: A family with three working members can each claim Section 199A benefits on their respective business income shares, potentially tripling the overall tax benefit compared to concentrating income in one person.
Succession planning advantages
The higher equipment expensing limits create opportunities for tax-efficient business transfers:
Equipment gifts: Parents can purchase equipment (up to $1.5 million expensing limit), then gift it to adult children who are taking over business operations. This provides immediate tax deduction for parents while transferring appreciating assets.
Multi-entity structures: Consider separate LLCs for different business activities or family members to maximize Section 199A benefits across multiple entities.
R&D credit family planning
Family businesses developing new products or processes can structure R&D activities across multiple entities to maximize the $500,000 annual credit limit per business.
Key family business strategies
1. Evaluate income allocation among family members to optimize Section 199A benefits
2. Consider gifting strategies combined with equipment expensing
3. Plan succession timing around the enhanced deduction benefits
4. Structure R&D activities across family entities when applicable
Key takeaway: Family businesses can multiply One Big Beautiful Bill benefits through strategic income allocation and multi-generational planning, potentially saving $10,000+ annually across the family unit.
Key Takeaway: Family businesses can multiply the enhanced Section 199A benefits across multiple family members and generations, potentially saving $10,000+ annually through strategic planning.
Sources
- IRS Publication 535 — Business Expenses
- One Big Beautiful Bill Act Section 401 — Small Business Tax Provisions
Reviewed by Michelle Woodard, Tax Policy Analyst on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.