Scenario Playbook: How the New Tax Bill Affects You—By Income & Family Stage
When it comes to comprehensive tax reform, numbers can feel abstract—until you see them in real-life scenarios. Below, we walk three distinct profiles through their “before vs. after” tax outcomes under the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2025. You’ll see exactly how changes to deductions, credits, and phase-outs translate into dollars saved (or owed).
Profile A: The Solo SaaS Founder (No Dependents)
Income: $200,000 net
Filing Status: Single, no dependents
Prior Deductions: Standard deduction ($13,850 in 2024) + QBI 20% pass-through
After-Bill Changes:
Standard Deduction bumps to $15,750
QBI still 20%, thresholds indexed
Overtime & Tips: N/A
New Car Interest: If a new business vehicle and assembled in the US, up to $10K
Result:
Before: Taxable income $160,150 → Effective rate ~22.5%
After: Taxable income $144,250 → Effective rate ~~20.8%
Annual Tax Savings: ~$3,400
Profile B: The Married UX Studio Owner + 2 Kids
Income: $300,000 combined
Filing Status: MFJ, two dependents (ages 8 & 10)
Prior Deductions: Itemized SALT cap $10K + child tax credit $2,000 ×2
After-Bill Changes:
SALT Cap increases to $40K
Child Tax Credit indexed to $2,200/child
Senior Deduction: N/A
Result:
Before: Itemized deductions $25K → Taxable income $255K → Effective rate ~19.8%
After: Itemized deductions $55K → Taxable income $215K → Effective rate ~~17.4%
Annual Tax Savings: ~$8,100
Profile C: The Retired Creator on Social Security
Income: $60,000 retirement distributions + $15,000 taxable SS
Filing Status: Single, age 68
Prior Deductions: Standard $13,850 + senior deduction $2,000
After-Bill Changes:
Standard Deduction $15,750
Senior Deduction increases to $6,000 (through 2028)
Social Security Tax: Not changed
Result:
Before: Taxable income $44,150 → Effective rate ~10.6%
After: Taxable income $37,000 → Effective rate ~~9.2%
Annual Tax Savings: ~$650
What This Means for You
No matter your business model or life stage, the new law delivers pockets of savings—some obvious (SALT, child credit) and some you might not expect (new-car interest, senior bump). But every dollar counts, and a prescriptive, personalized analysis is the only way to be sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
Watch our full webinar unpacking these provisions and live Q&A here:
Ready to create your own Scenario Playbook—with real numbers tailored to your situation? Book your Financial 360 Review Session today:
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