Understanding the Changes to the SALT Deduction Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction has long been an important provision of the U.S. federal tax code. It allows taxpayers who itemize deductions to reduce their federal taxable income by the amount of certain state and local taxes paid, including income, sales, and property taxes. Historically, this deduction was intended to prevent double taxation—that is, taxing the same income at both the federal and state levels.

Section 1202 QSBS: Expanded Tax Benefits Under the OBBBA

The Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusion, governed by Section 1202 of the tax code, has historically provided a crucial incentive for investment in eligible C-corp startups. This benefit allowed founders and early investors to exclude up to $10 million in capital gains, or 10× the investment basis, from federal taxation, provided the stock was held for a minimum of five years.

How the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act Reshapes R&E Tax Treatment – Strategic Tax and Compliance Implications for Businesses

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, marks one of the most transformative tax developments for innovation-driven businesses in recent years. Among its many provisions, the Act fundamentally overhauls the tax treatment of Research and Experimental (R&E) expenditures, effectively reversing the restrictive capitalization rules introduced under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting

As of January 1, 2024, the bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires many companies operating in the United States to report information about their beneficial owners—the individuals who ultimately own or control the company. This law aims to combat illicit finance and strengthen U.S. national security.