I shared this email with clients last week and thought it may be helpful to you.

I wanted to reach out about the new tax law that just passed – the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). I know tax law changes sound overwhelming. Below is a brief summary (the bill is 870 pages!) with some important changes that could impact your financial plan. My commitment to you is to translate this complexity into clear, actionable strategies that support your goals.

The Bottom Line

While this bill makes many favorable tax provisions permanent, several new benefits phase out at higher income levels. The good news? Your core tax rates and deductions are locked in permanently.

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Here’s What This Means for You Right Now

Your Tax Planning Just Got More Predictable 

Remember how we’ve been discussing whether your current tax rates might jump in 2026? That uncertainty is gone. Your tax rates are now permanent, which means we have a solid foundation for your long-term financial planning.

More Money Stays in Your Pocket 

Your standard deduction is increasing this year – that’s immediate tax savings for everyone:

• Single filers: $15,750 (up from $15,000)
• Head of Household filers: $23,625 (from $22,500)
• Married filing jointly: $31,500 (up from $30,000)

The amounts will continue to grow with inflation. Plus, if you’re 65 or older and your income is below $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married), you might qualify for an extra $6,000 deduction through 2028.

Your Estate Planning Gets Stronger 

If you’ve been concerned about estate taxes affecting your legacy, this law locks in the higher estate exemption of $15 million per person permanently. This gives us more flexibility in structuring your wealth transfer strategies.

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Opportunities This Creates for Your Specific Situation

If You’re Paying High State Taxes 

The state and local tax deduction limit increases from $10,000 to $40,000 for the next few years. This benefit phases out for incomes between $500,000-$600,000, but provides significant savings for those who qualify.

If You’re a Head of Household Filer 

You’re getting one of the largest standard deduction increases, which means immediate tax relief. This is especially beneficial if you’re a single parent or supporting dependents, as you maintain eligibility for all other new benefits while getting this substantial deduction boost.

If You’re Planning Your Retirement 

The permanent nature of these changes means we have more certainty when projecting your retirement tax situation. This helps us optimize your withdrawal strategies and Roth conversion planning.

If You’re Supporting Your Legacy 

With estate tax exemptions now permanent, we have more room to implement sophisticated wealth transfer strategies that benefit your children and grandchildren.

If You’re a Business Owner 

The Section 199A qualified business income deduction increases to 23% (from 20%) and becomes permanent, providing additional tax savings for pass-through businesses.

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What You Need to Know About Potential Challenges

Some Benefits Have Income Limits 

Many of the new tax breaks phase out at higher income levels. This means your planning becomes more nuanced – but that’s exactly why having professional guidance matters.

Charitable Giving Rules Are Changing 

Starting in 2026, there’s a new threshold for charitable deductions. If giving is important to you, we should discuss timing strategies to maximize your impact.

The Alternative Minimum Tax Might Affect You Again 

More people will likely be subject to AMT starting in 2026. We’ll need to factor this into your planning to avoid surprises.

What’s NOT Changing 

Important: Social Security remains taxable at the federal level despite rumors you might hear. The bill makes no changes to Social Security taxation – any tax savings come from the higher deductions and lower rates applied to your total income.

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Quick Answers to Questions You Might Have:

• Do I need to do anything right now? No, most changes are automatic and many are already in effect for 2025 
• Will this affect my 2024 taxes? No, these changes apply to 2025 and beyond 
• What if my income is high? Many new benefits have limits, but the core rate reductions and higher standard deductions still apply to everyone 
• When do these changes take effect? Most provisions are effective immediately for 2025, with some benefits lasting only through 2028

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A Personal Note

I know tax law changes create uncertainty, but I want you to feel confident about your financial future. You don’t need to stress about understanding all the technical details – that’s my job. Your job is to focus on your goals while I handle the complexity.

Let me know if you’d like to set up a meeting to walk through how these changes impact your unique situation so I can answer your questions in plain English.

Disclosures: BW Financial LLC dba BW Financial Planning is an Investment Adviser registered with the State of Colorado. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. We may, from time to time, have a position in the securities mentioned and may execute transactions that may not be consistent with this communication’s conclusions. This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, accounting and/or tax advice. Should you have any questions and/or issues in these areas, please consult your legal, tax and/or accounting adviser.