The SALT Deduction Cap is Changing.
The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" temporarily increases the cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction from $10,000 to $40,000 for certain taxpayers. This guide breaks down who qualifies, how it works, and what it means for your taxes.
NEW CAP
Up from $10,000 for all filers.
INCOME LIMIT
Full benefit for MAGI up to $500k.
PHASE-OUT
Benefit ends for MAGI at $600k.
TIMELINE
For tax years 2025, 2026, 2027.
How the Phase-Out Works
The extra $30,000 of deduction room ($40k new cap - $10k old cap) is gradually reduced for households with a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) between $500,000 and $600,000.
For every $1,000 of income above $500k, your maximum deduction limit decreases by $300 until it returns to the original $10,000 at $600k MAGI.
SALT Deduction Savings Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your new SALT deduction limit and potential federal tax savings under the proposed law. Adjust your income and taxes paid to see your personal result.
Your Tax Info
Your Estimated Result
Based on the new law
New SALT Deduction Limit
$40,000
Additional Deduction
$30,000
Potential Federal Tax Savings
$9,600
Uneven Impact: Who Benefits Most?
The benefits of expanding the SALT deduction are not distributed equally. Taxpayers in states with high income and property taxes stand to gain significantly more than those in low or no-tax states.
Chart shows estimated maximum tax savings for a family with MAGI under $500k and at least $40k in state and local taxes. Assumes a 32% federal tax bracket.
Tax Strategy: Maximizing Your Deduction
For those who qualify, timing your tax payments can be a key strategy. This is especially true in the final year of the expansion (2027) before the cap reverts to $10,000.
Scenario: A California Family in 2027
A couple with a $450k MAGI expects to pay $25,000 in property taxes and $20,000 in state income taxes for 2027. Their final state estimated tax payment of $5,000 is due January 15, 2028.
Standard Strategy
Pay the final state tax payment in January 2028 as usual.
- 2027 Taxes Paid: $25k Property + $15k State = $40,000
- 2027 SALT Deduction: $40,000
- 2028 Taxes Paid: $5k State + ... (SALT cap reverts to $10k)
- 2028 SALT Deduction: $10,000
Maximizer Strategy
Pre-pay the final state tax payment in December 2027.
- 2027 Taxes Paid: $25k Property + $20k State = $45,000
- 2027 SALT Deduction: $40,000 (Maxed out)
- 2028 Taxes Paid: Just property tax + ...
- 2028 SALT Deduction: $10,000 (Likely maxed by property tax alone)
The Takeaway
By accelerating the payment into 2027, the family ensures they use the full $5,000 payment towards the higher $40,000 cap, rather than "wasting" it against the much lower $10,000 cap in 2028. This simple timing shift can save them $1,600 in federal taxes (at a 32% bracket).
Official Sources & Useful Links
For further research, here are official sources and key analytical reports.
