Understanding 2025 Tax Changes for Small Businesses
Authored by: Brett Leibfried—Partner, CPA | Date Published: July 10, 2025
Are you aware of any new tax rules impacting small businesses? As we move further into 2025, new proposed tax rules are on the horizon, bringing with them both a degree of uncertainty and significant opportunities. This blog will discuss possible upcoming changes by breaking down the key proposed tax modifications, explaining the impact they could have on small businesses, and offering actionable strategies for preparation.
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Key Proposed Tax Rule Changes
Potential adjustments aim to provide relief and promote growth across various industries, particularly for small businesses and those focused on innovation and capital investment. Understanding these changes is important for financial planning and operational strategies.
- Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction (Section 199A): Currently, this allows eligible owners of pass-through entities, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations, to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income. New proposals are on the table suggesting an increase to 23%. Should these proposals pass, it would provide substantial and lasting tax relief for many small businesses, effectively leaving more cash in their hands for reinvestment, expansion, or simply managing operational costs.
- Research & Development (R&D) Expensing: Under current law, businesses are generally required to amortize these expenses over five years for domestic R&D or 15 years for foreign R&D. Fortunately, new legislative proposals aim to restore immediate expensing for domestic R&D investments, potentially for tax years 2025 through 2029. This would provide substantial relief to small businesses and startups by allowing them to fully deduct these investments sooner.
- Bonus Depreciation: Currently standing at 40% for 2025, new proposals aim to restore 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets. Significantly incentivizing new capital investments and providing immediate, larger tax write-offs for businesses.
- State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Cap: The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction currently limits individuals, including many pass-through business owners, to a $10,000 deduction for their combined state and local income, sales, and property taxes. Recent proposals aim to significantly increase this cap, with figures like $40,000 or higher being discussed.
- Increased Estate Limits: The proposed changes would permanently increase the federal gift and estate tax exemption to $15 million for individuals beginning in 2026. For married couples, this would provide a $30 million exemption (indexed for inflation). This is a significant development for individuals and families looking to pass their businesses to the next generation, as it would prevent a substantial reduction in the tax-free transfer of wealth.
The Potential Impact on Small Businesses
Proposed changes to tax rules will affect financial planning and cash flow for small businesses, requiring owners to invest valuable time in forecasting. Tax incentives such as bonus depreciation and R&D expensing will directly impact investment decisions, either encouraging or discouraging spending on equipment.
Understanding the business structure you operate under can play a critical role in how these tax changes affect you. Each structure has its own tax implications and benefits. For instance, LLCs often benefit from the QBI deduction, allowing owners to deduct a portion of their qualified business income. In contrast, corporations may find advantages in how they utilize bonus depreciation and handle R&D credits.
While some of the changes may simplify business decisions and lead to opportunities for tax optimization, others can increase administrative burdens and make compliance more challenging.
Strategies for Small Businesses to Prepare
Tax laws can change fast. For small businesses, proactive preparation is crucial.
- Stay informed and monitor new developments.
- Consult with a professional for personalized advice and planning insights to help simplify and optimize your tax strategy.
- Review and adjust internal strategies. Re-evaluating investment plans, carefully considering the timing of income and expenses, and assessing their current business structure.
- Enhance financial record-keeping to prepare for any new reporting requirements and maintain compliance.
Conclusion
Tax policies for small businesses are set to experience significant changes, specifically regarding the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, R&D expensing, bonus depreciation, and the SALT deduction cap. These developing adjustments could offer substantial relief, boost cash flow, and incentivize investment and growth.
At MBE CPAs, we know proactive planning is essential. By staying informed, seeking personalized advice from tax professionals, and improving financial record-keeping, your small business can turn potential challenges into opportunities for growth.
Contact us to assess how these future changes could impact your business and develop a proactive strategy.