If you own a business, you may wonder if you’re eligible to take the qualified business income (QBI) deduction. Sometimes this is referred to as the pass-through deduction or the Section 199A deduction.

The QBI Deduction

• Is available to owners of sole proprietorships, single member limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and S corporations. This deduction is also applicable to trusts and estates.
• Is intended to reduce the tax rate on Qualified Business Income to a rate that’s closer to the corporate tax rate.
• Is taken “below the line”.  In other words, it reduces your taxable income but not your adjusted gross income.
• Is available regardless of whether you itemize deductions or take the standard deduction.

Additional Provisions

Taxpayers other than corporations may be entitled to a deduction of up to 20% of their QBI. For 2020, if taxable income exceeds $163,300 for single taxpayers, or $326,600 for a married couple filing jointly, the QBI deduction may be limited based on different scenarios. These include whether the taxpayer is engaged in a service-type of trade or business (such as law, accounting, health, or consulting), the amount of W-2 wages paid by the trade or business, and/or the unadjusted basis of qualified property (such as machinery and equipment) held by the trade or business.

The limitations are phased in. For example, the phase-in for 2020 applies to single filers with taxable income between $163,300 and $213,300 and joint filers with taxable income between $326,600 and $426,600.

For tax years beginning in 2021, the inflation-adjusted threshold amounts will be $164,900 for single taxpayers, and $329,800 for married couples filing jointly.

Year-End Tax Planning Tip

Some taxpayers may be able to achieve significant savings with respect to this deduction. This is achievable by deferring income or accelerating deductions at year end. This is so that they come under the dollar thresholds (or be subject to a smaller phaseout of the deduction) for 2020. Depending on your business model, you also may be able to increase the Section 199a deduction by increasing W-2 wages before year end. The rules are quite complex, so contact us with questions and consult with us before taking steps.