2025 Income Tax News: Changes, Predictions, and What You Need to Know

Estimated read time 6 min read

The 2025 tax season is set to bring significant changes to income tax laws. States are adopting pass-through entity (PTE) tax regimes to bypass the federal \$10,000 SALT deduction limitation. Some states are reducing income tax rates, while others are increasing them to address budget deficits. The federal government may extend or raise the SALT deduction limitation, affecting state PTE regimes. Key changes include increased standard deductions, adjustments to tax brackets, and updates to tax credits like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Businesses and individuals must prepare for these changes to maximize their tax benefits.

Income Tax Changes in 2025

The 2025 tax season is just around the corner, and with it comes a plethora of changes to income tax laws. These changes will impact both individuals and businesses, making it crucial to stay informed.

Pass-Through Entity (PTE) Taxes

One of the most significant changes is the adoption of pass-through entity (PTE) tax regimes by many states. This move is a workaround to the federal \$10,000 SALT deduction limitation imposed under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). However, the future of this limitation is uncertain, as it is set to expire at the end of 2025. The federal government may choose to let it expire, extend it with a higher cap, or extend the cap without change. This uncertainty means that some states have enacted PTE taxes that expire at the end of 2025, regardless of federal action1.

State Income Tax Rates

While some states are in a strong fiscal position and continue to reduce income tax rates, others are facing budget deficits and seeking ways to increase tax revenue. For instance, states like Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, and Utah have reduced their income tax rates in recent years. In contrast, states like New Jersey have re-enacted a corporate business tax surcharge to address budget pressures. Other states, such as Alaska, Arizona, California, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, are projecting budget deficits and will need to increase their tax collections or reduce spending1.

Federal Tax Changes

At the federal level, individual income tax rates and brackets will be adjusted for inflation. The Child Tax Credit will continue to provide financial relief to families, with the credit amount increasing to 40 percent of the Illinois EITC for the 2025 tax year. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may also see changes in income limits and maximum credit amounts. Additionally, the standard deduction will increase annually to account for inflation, potentially reducing taxable income and lowering tax liabilities for some taxpayers2.

Corporate Tax Changes

Businesses should also be aware of potential changes to corporate income tax rates. The TCJA provisions, including individual and corporate tax rates, the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, and the increased estate tax exemption, are set to expire at the end of 2025. This could significantly impact businesses, especially those relying on these deductions to reduce their tax liabilities2.

Key Tax Credits and Deductions

2.

Impact on Farmers

4.


1. What is the pass-through entity (PTE) tax regime?

Answer: The PTE tax regime is a state-level tax strategy adopted to bypass the federal \$10,000 SALT deduction limitation. It allows businesses to pass through income to their owners without being subject to double taxation1.

2. Which states have adopted PTE taxes?

Answer: Many states with personal income tax have adopted PTE taxes, but the specific states are not listed in the sources provided1.

3. What is the current status of the federal SALT deduction limitation?

Answer: The federal SALT deduction limitation is set to expire at the end of 2025, but its future is uncertain. The federal government may choose to extend it, raise the cap, or let it expire1.

4. How are state income tax rates changing in 2025?

Answer: Some states are reducing income tax rates due to strong fiscal positions, while others are increasing rates to address budget deficits. For example, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, and Utah have reduced their income tax rates, while New Jersey has re-enacted a corporate business tax surcharge1.

5. What changes are happening to individual income tax rates and brackets?

Answer: Individual income tax rates and brackets will be adjusted for inflation. The Child Tax Credit will increase to 40 percent of the Illinois EITC, and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may see changes in income limits and maximum credit amounts2.

6. How will the standard deduction change in 2025?

Answer:2.

7. What changes are expected in corporate income tax rates?

Answer: The corporate income tax rate may be altered, and businesses should review their business income and expenses according to these potential changes. Many TCJA provisions, including corporate tax rates, are set to expire at the end of 20252.

8. How will farmers be affected by the expiring TCJA provisions?

Answer: Farmers could face an additional \$2,300 in taxes annually if the TCJA provisions expire. These changes include reduced federal income tax rates and new income brackets, which have significantly impacted farm tax liabilities4.

9. What are the key tax credits and deductions undergoing changes?

Answer:2.

10. What are the implications of the TCJA provisions expiring at the end of 2025?

Answer: The expiring TCJA provisions, including individual and corporate tax rates, the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, and the increased estate tax exemption, could significantly impact businesses and individuals. This includes increased tax liabilities for farmers and changes in deductions and credits for both individuals and corporations2.


The 2025 tax season is marked by significant changes in income tax laws. States are adopting PTE tax regimes to bypass federal limitations, while individual and corporate tax rates are set to adjust for inflation. Key tax credits and deductions are also undergoing changes, affecting both individuals and businesses. Farmers and ranchers face particular challenges with the potential expiration of TCJA provisions. Understanding these changes is crucial for maximizing tax benefits and navigating the complex landscape of 2025 income taxes.


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