QBI Deduction at 23% Under OBBBA 2026: Complete Guide for Pass-Through Business Owners
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) permanently extends the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction under IRC §199A and increases it from 20% to 23%. This is one of the most valuable deductions available to self-employed individuals, LLC owners, S-corp owners, and partners — potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars per year.
What Is the QBI Deduction?
The QBI deduction allows eligible pass-through business owners to deduct up to 23% of qualified business income from federal taxable income. It is an above-the-line deduction that reduces your taxable income regardless of whether you itemize.
Who Qualifies?
- Sole proprietors (Schedule C filers)
- LLC owners (single-member and multi-member)
- S-corporation shareholders
- Partners in a partnership
- Certain trusts and estates
Income Thresholds for 2026
| Filing Status | Phase-Out Begins | Phase-Out Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Single / MFS | $197,300 | $247,300 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $394,600 | $494,600 |
Specified Service Trades or Businesses (SSTBs) — including health, law, accounting, consulting, financial services, and performing arts — are subject to the phase-out. Non-SSTB businesses are subject to W-2 wage and capital limitations above the threshold.
Example Savings
Freelancer earning $80,000 net: $80,000 × 23% = $18,400 deduction → $6,808 in tax savings at 37%.
LLC owner earning $200,000 net: $200,000 × 23% = $46,000 deduction → $17,020 in tax savings at 37%.
S-corp owner earning $300,000 net: $300,000 × 23% = $69,000 deduction → $25,530 in tax savings at 37%.
Strategies to Maximize the QBI Deduction
- S-Corp election: Paying yourself a reasonable salary reduces QBI, but the remaining distribution still qualifies — net benefit is often positive
- Retirement contributions: Solo 401(k) or SEP-IRA contributions reduce AGI but also reduce QBI — model both scenarios
- Aggregation election: Multiple businesses can be aggregated to maximize W-2 wage limitations
- SSTB workaround: If you provide both SSTB and non-SSTB services, the non-SSTB portion may still qualify
Optimize your QBI deduction with Uncle Kam: https://unclekam.com/consultation/