OBBBA P.L. 119-21 created four new above-the-line deductions that did not previously exist: a deduction for qualified tips, a deduction for qualified overtime pay, a deduction for interest on qualified auto loans, and a new savings vehicle called Trump Accounts for minor children. These are in addition to OBBBA's other major changes (CTC increase, SALT cap raise, R&D restoration, estate tax permanence). Each new deduction has specific eligibility rules, income limits, and definitional requirements.
Qualified tips: Above-the-line deduction for tips received in a tipped occupation. Income limit applies. Employer reporting requirements on Form 1099-NEC being finalized.
Qualified overtime: Above-the-line deduction for overtime compensation (pay above regular rate under FLSA). Income limit applies. Applies to W-2 overtime, not self-employment income.
Auto loan interest: Deduction for interest paid on a qualified auto loan for a new US-manufactured vehicle. Income limit applies. Annual cap per vehicle.
Trump Accounts: New savings account for US citizen children under 8 at enactment. $5,000 annual contribution limit. Federal seed contribution of $1,000 per eligible child. Growth invested in broad market index funds.
OBBBA creates a deduction for cash tips received in a customarily and regularly tipped occupation. The IRS is developing a list of qualifying occupations (Treasury Tipped Occupation Codes - TTOCs). The deduction is above the line, reducing AGI, and is available whether or not the taxpayer itemizes. An income phase-out applies - the deduction phases out above a threshold for higher earners. Tips remain subject to FICA payroll taxes; only the income tax is affected by the deduction.
OBBBA creates a deduction for overtime compensation received by W-2 employees - meaning the premium portion of overtime pay (the extra 50% or more paid under FLSA for hours over 40). The deduction is above the line. It does not apply to self-employment income, S-corp distributions, or guaranteed payments to partners. An income phase-out applies. For 2025, the IRS issued Notice 2025-62 providing penalty relief for employers who did not separately report qualified overtime on Form W-2 - full compliance required starting with 2026 W-2s.
OBBBA creates a new deduction for interest paid on a loan secured by a new passenger vehicle assembled in the United States. The vehicle must be purchased new (not used). A per-vehicle annual cap applies. An income phase-out applies. The deduction is above the line. This is a temporary provision designed to incentivize domestic auto manufacturing. Vehicle assembly location requirements are defined by reference to the MSRP and final assembly location standards used in IRC §30D (the EV credit, now repealed for most vehicles).
OBBBA creates a new savings account for US citizen children who were under age 8 as of the date of enactment (July 4, 2025). The federal government seeds each eligible child's account with $1,000. Annual contributions up to $5,000 are allowed (after-tax). Funds are invested in broad US stock market index funds. Distributions for qualified purposes - education, first home purchase, business startup, retirement - are tax-favored. The account structure is administered through the Treasury and is separate from 529 plans and Coverdell accounts.