Save Thousands: 2025 Section 179 Rules for Your 2026 Filing

The 2026 tax season is one of the most critical filing periods small business owners have faced in years. If you’re preparing to file a return for the 2025 tax year, this is not a year to assume “everything is the same.”

Between inflation-driven changes, tighter IRS enforcement, evolving reporting rules, and the looming expiration of key tax provisions, many business owners are discovering that old strategies no longer deliver the same results.

Here’s what changed for 2025 taxes filed in 2026 and what small business owners should do now.

Why the 2026 Tax Season Is Different for Small Businesses

The 2025 tax year represents the final year under many current tax rules before major provisions are scheduled to expire or change. While future legislation remains uncertain, your 2025 return sets the foundation for:

  • Future audit risk
  • Carryforwards and credits
  • Entity-level tax strategy
  • Long-term tax efficiency

For small business owners, this makes the 2026 tax season a planning moment—not just a compliance task.

Inflation Adjustments Are Pushing Business Owners Into Higher Tax Brackets

For 2025:

  • Federal tax brackets were adjusted upward for inflation
  • Many businesses reported higher revenue without higher real profits
  • Net income increases pushed owners into higher marginal tax rates

This resulted in unexpected tax bills, especially for pass-through businesses where profits flow directly to the owner’s personal return.

Key takeaway: Growth without planning can mean higher taxes—even when cash flow hasn’t improved.

The Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction May Be in Its Final Year

The 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction under Section 199A is still available for the 2025 tax year, but many small business owners are losing part—or all—of it without realizing why.

Common issues in the 2026 filing season include:

  • Income exceeding phaseout thresholds
  • Incorrect classification as a specified service trade or business (SSTB)
  • Missed wage or property limitations

With the QBI deduction currently scheduled to expire after 2025, this may be the last year to claim it.

Entity Structure Matters More Than Ever in 2026

S corporations, LLCs, and sole proprietorships are being reviewed more closely by the IRS, particularly around:

  • Reasonable compensation for S-corp owners
  • Payroll compliance
  • Distribution vs. salary ratios

At the same time, some smaller businesses are realizing they are overpaying in compliance costs for structures that no longer fit their income level.

2026 insight: Your entity structure should evolve as your business evolves.

Digital Payment Reporting Leaves Less Room for Error

By the time you file your 2025 return:

  • The IRS has expanded access to third-party payment data
  • Payment platforms, marketplaces, and processors are reporting more consistently
  • Income mismatches are easier for the IRS to identify automatically

Even when reporting thresholds fluctuate, the IRS already has the data.

If income was paid to your business, assume it needs to be reported.

IRS Enforcement Trends Targeting Small Businesses

While audit rates remain modest overall, small businesses remain a key focus because mistakes are common and often unintentional.

In the 2026 tax season, the IRS is paying closer attention to:

  • Schedule C losses
  • Home office deductions
  • Vehicle and meal expenses
  • Payroll tax compliance
  • Repeated underreporting patterns

Many audits stem from poor documentation, not intentional wrongdoing.

Common Small Business Tax Mistakes We’re Seeing in 2026

So far, the most frequent issues on 2025 returns include:

  • Missed deductions due to weak bookkeeping
  • Incorrect depreciation or expensing elections
  • Unreported or mismatched 1099 income
  • Missing state or local filings
  • Filing too quickly without reviewing planning opportunities

These mistakes often result in overpaying taxes, not just penalties.

What You Can Still Do During the 2026 Tax Season

Even after December 31, 2025, small business owners may still be able to:

  • Make IRA, SEP, or Solo 401(k) contributions
  • File an extension to allow for proper planning
  • Correct accounting method issues
  • Capture carryforwards and credits
  • Reduce penalties with accurate disclosures

Filing early isn’t always filing smart.

Final Thoughts: This Is Not “Just Another Tax Season”

For small business owners, the 2026 tax season is a turning point. How you file your 2025 return can affect your taxes, compliance risk, and planning opportunities for years to come.

If your income changed, your business grew, or your tax strategy hasn’t been reviewed recently, this is the year to take a closer look.

Ready to File Smarter for 2026?

We help small business owners:

  • Reduce tax liability
  • Avoid IRS red flags
  • Plan proactively not reactively

To learn more about how you can reduce your taxes and save money, check out the helpful resources on our blog or contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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