No Tax on Overtime: What the 2025-2028 Federal Deduction Really Means

Beginning in 2025, eligible employees may deduct a portion of their overtime pay from federal taxable income. While commonly referred to as “no tax on overtime,” this provision functions as a limited federal income tax deduction and is scheduled to expire after 2028.

What are Key Highlights of the No Tax on Overtime Deduction?

  • Effective for overtime earned in years 2025-2028
  • Available without itemizing deductions
  • Reduces federal taxable income (state and local taxes may still apply)
  • Maximum deduction is $12,500 per return, $25,000 for married filing jointly
  • Deduction begins phasing out when adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000
  • Not available for married filing separately

What Overtime Pay Qualifies for the Deduction?

Only overtime pay that meets the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) definition qualifies for the deduction. Overtime must be paid at time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 in a regular workweek. Bonuses, premium pay, or other compensation not meeting FSLA rules do not qualify. Employer policies do not override FLSA rules for tax purposes.

How is the Overtime Deduction Calculated?

The deduction applies only to the “extra half” pay above the employee’s regular hourly rate; it does not apply to the full overtime amount:

Example 1: Time-and-a-Half Overtime

    • Monica earns $20 per hour and $30 per hour for overtime. (Deductible portion is $10 per overtime hour.) If she earned $15,000 in overtime pay, dividing by three yields a $5,000 allowable deduction.

Example 2: Double-Time Overtime

    • Rachel earns $20 per hour but is paid double-time for overtime ($40 per hour). Even though her employer pays more, the deduction is still limited to the Fair Labor Standards Act amount ($10 per overtime hour). If she earned $30,000 in overtime pay, dividing by four yields a $7,500 allowable deduction.

How Do Employees Report and Document Overtime for the Deduction?

For 2025, employees may use a reasonable calculation based on final pay stubs. Beginning in 2026, W-2 forms will include separate reporting for overtime pay. Employees should retain pay stubs and payroll records to support their calculations.

What are Important Reminders About the Claim Limitations?

Employees should remember these limitations before filing the overtime deduction:

  • Filing status matters; married filing separately is not eligible for this deduction.
  • The deduction is subject to caps and income phaseouts.
  • State and local taxes can differ in treatment.

Read more from PYA about One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax changes.

 

PYA Can Help

As questions increase around overtime taxation under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, understanding how the federal deduction actually works is critical. PYA’s Tax experts can help evaluate eligibility and ensure calculations and documentation align with IRS guidance.

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