The 2025 SALT cap increase is one of the biggest tax changes in years. The new rules allow many taxpayers to deduct far more in state and local taxes. If you live in a high-tax state or pay high property taxes, this change may lower your federal tax bill.
This guide explains how the new SALT deduction works, who benefits, and how to plan for the 2025–2029 window.
What Is the SALT Deduction?
The SALT deduction lets you deduct certain state and local taxes if you itemize. These taxes include:
- State and local income taxes
- Property taxes
- State and local sales tax (you may deduct income tax or sales tax)
You cannot deduct federal taxes, special assessments, utility taxes, or gasoline taxes.
How the SALT Deduction Works
You can only claim the SALT deduction when you itemize. Here is the simple process:
- Compare your standard deduction with your itemized deductions.
- Add your SALT taxes, mortgage interest, charitable gifts, and medical expenses.
- If itemizing saves more, claim the amounts on Schedule A.
- Attach Schedule A to your Form 1040.
The 2025–2029 SALT Cap Increase
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) increases the SALT cap beginning in 2025.
New SALT Caps (2025–2029)
- $40,000 for Single, HOH, QSS, and MFJ
- $20,000 for MFS
These amounts increase each year by 1% for inflation. This is a major change from the old $10,000 cap.
High-Income Phase-Down Rule
High-income taxpayers still benefit, but their deduction may be reduced.
The phase-down begins when income exceeds:
- $500,000 for Single, HOH, QSS, and MFJ
- $250,000 for MFS
Your SALT deduction is reduced by 30% of income above the threshold.
However, your deduction can never drop below $10,000.
How the SALT Cap Worked Before 2025
From 2018 to 2024, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act limited the SALT deduction to:
- $10,000 for Single, HOH, and MFJ
- $5,000 for MFS
This limit affected taxpayers in states such as California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
2030 and Beyond: Cap Returns to $10,000
The increased SALT cap is temporary. Beginning in 2030, the deduction returns to:
- $10,000 for most filers
- $5,000 for MFS
There will be no inflation adjustments. Because of this, the 2025–2029 period is a valuable tax planning window.
Should You Itemize Under the New SALT Rules?
Many taxpayers who used the standard deduction may now benefit from itemizing. You may want to itemize if:
- You live in a high-tax state
- You pay high property taxes
- You have mortgage interest
- Your total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction
Under the new SALT limits, itemizing may create significant tax savings.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 SALT cap increase raises the deduction to $40,000 for most taxpayers.
- High-income taxpayers face a phase-down, but still receive more than before.
- Itemizing may save more than the standard deduction between 2025 and 2029.
- The SALT cap returns to $10,000 in 2030.
- Strategic planning can help you make the most of this temporary window.
Plan Your SALT Strategy with SR Financial & Tax Advisors
At SR Financial & Tax Advisors, we help clients:
- Compare itemizing vs. standard deduction
- Plan property tax and charitable timing
- Understand the high-income phase-down
- Maximize deductions during the 2025–2029 window
Don’t miss out on potential savings.
Book your SALT deduction planning session today.