Unlocking the Benefits of the Section 199A Deduction for Your Business

The Power of the Section 199A Deduction: What Small Business Owners Need to Know

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve heard whispers (or groans) about something called the Qualified Business Income deduction — better known as the Section 199A deduction. While the name might not roll off the tongue, the savings definitely can make your bottom line smile.

In plain English, this deduction lets qualifying business owners knock up to 20% off their business income for tax purposes. That means you could be paying taxes on only 80% of what you actually earned. Not bad, right?

This tax break was originally part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and was designed to give small business owners a bit of relief since the big corporations got their own tax cuts. Even better news? Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), this deduction is now permanent — no expiration date hanging over your head.


What Exactly Counts as Qualified Business Income?

Here’s where it gets a little technical — but stick with me, because understanding this is worth it.

Qualified Business Income (QBI) is basically the net income your business earns from regular operations — the money you make after your business expenses. What’s not included? Investment income like capital gains, dividends, or interest that doesn’t come from your day-to-day business activities.

If you’re running your business as a sole proprietor, partnership, S corporation, or trust, you’re in the right ballpark to qualify.


Which Businesses Qualify?

Not all businesses get the full benefit of the deduction — but many do.

  • Qualified Trades or Businesses (QTBs):
    These are your non-service-based businesses — think retail stores, manufacturers, contractors, and similar. They typically qualify for the full 20% deduction, assuming they meet a few wage or property rules.

  • Specified Service Trades or Businesses (SSTBs):
    This category includes professionals like doctors, lawyers, accountants, consultants — basically anyone whose business depends on their personal expertise. If this is you, the deduction still applies, but it can start to phase out once your income hits certain thresholds.

In short: the higher your income, the more the deduction may shrink. The good news is that recent updates have raised those income thresholds, letting more service-based business owners keep a bigger chunk of the benefit.

How Is the Deduction Calculated?

  • Here’s a simplified way to think about it:
    For most business owners, the Section 199A deduction equals 20% of your qualified business income.

    However, for higher earners or certain types of businesses, the calculation may depend on:

    • Wages paid to employees, or

    • The value of business property (like equipment or real estate you use for your business).

    If that sounds confusing, that’s because it can be! The formulas can get complicated — but that’s exactly why working with a professional is worth every penny.

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  • What’s New Under the OBBBA?

    Starting in 2026, there’s a new twist that’s great for smaller businesses: a minimum deduction.

    Even if you don’t meet all the wage or property rules, you can still get at least a $400 minimum deduction as long as you have $1,000 or more in qualified business income. This amount will increase slightly each year to keep up with inflation.

    It’s a small but meaningful way to make sure every small business gets some benefit — even the smallest ones.

    Bottom Line

    The Section 199A deduction is one of the best tax-saving tools available to small business owners today — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Between income thresholds, wage limits, and qualifying business types, the rules can feel like a maze.

    That’s where Freedom Line Accounting & Tax comes in. We specialize in making complicated tax strategies simple, understandable, and profitable for small business owners.

    We’ll walk you through exactly what you qualify for and make sure you’re getting every dollar you’re entitled to — without the headache.

    👉 Book your complimentary consultation today and let’s make sure your business is taking full advantage of this powerful deduction.

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