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Did You Miss Out on New OBBBA Tax Breaks This Year?

When the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed in mid-2025, it introduced major tax changes. Recent data from the Treasury and IRS reveals that over 53 million taxpayers took advantage of at least one of these new tax benefits during the 2026 filing season. However, an independent poll suggests a surprising number of eligible individuals and small business owners may have left money on the table.

As a full-service tax and accounting firm based in the greater Orlando area serving clients nationwide, our team at Sandra Stearns CPA is closely monitoring these numbers. Let’s break down what the government reported and explore why some taxpayers might need to file an amended return.

Which New Deductions Were Most Popular?

During the recent tax season, the IRS processed roughly 120 million individual returns, issuing over 80 million refunds. The average refund jumped to $3,462—an 11% increase from the previous year. Here is how Americans utilized the new OBBBA provisions:

Woman in an office reviewing tax documents
  • Overtime Pay Deduction: More than 25 million filers claimed this break for overtime wages, averaging about $3,100 per claim.
  • Tip Income Deduction: Over 6 million returns featured this deduction, with an average claim of just over $7,100.
  • Enhanced Senior Break: Over 30 million older taxpayers utilized this benefit, averaging roughly $7,500. While the limit is $6,000 per eligible senior, married couples filing jointly can see up to $12,000 in deductions.
  • American-Made Auto Loan Interest: Just over 1 million filers successfully deducted the interest paid on qualifying car loans.
  • Doubled Standard Deduction: Well over 100 million filers benefited from the permanently doubled standard deduction.

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Additionally, around 5 million Trump Accounts were opened for children under 18, though these accounts do not generate an immediate tax deduction.

The Awareness Gap: Did You Miss a Deduction?

Despite these high claim rates, a Bipartisan Policy Center survey highlights a significant awareness gap. While 27% of surveyed respondents earned overtime pay, only 15% claimed the overtime deduction. Similarly, 17% earned tip income, but just 10% claimed the associated tax relief.

Taxpayer reviewing forms

Why Are Taxpayers Missing Out?

Several practical hurdles prevented people from claiming what they deserved. The 2025 transitional rules caused widespread confusion because formats for W-2s and 1099s were not updated. Employers were not required to separately report cash tips or qualified overtime, leaving many individuals and even some return preparers unsure of how to document their claims. Furthermore, specific income phaseouts and complex occupation restrictions made navigating the new rules difficult.

Maximize Your Tax Deductions with Expert Help

Tax laws change frequently, and missing out on new benefits is easy if you are not working with a proactive advisor. At Sandra Stearns CPA, Sandra brings over 38 years of experience in tax planning and accounting to help individuals and businesses optimize their financial outcomes.

If you suspect you missed out on the overtime, tip, or senior deductions on your recent return, contact our Orlando office. Whether you need a review of your 2025 filing, assistance preparing an amended tax return, or virtual CFO support to improve your cash flow, we are here to guide you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and ensure you are keeping more of your hard-earned money.

Schedule a Free Consultation
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