Overtime Tax Exclusion: Who Benefits—and Who Won’t
Working long shifts isn’t just a way to keep the lights on—it’s often how families make ends meet. The good news is that the new Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2025 introduced a temporary tax break on overtime pay. From 2025 through 2028, certain overtime wages won’t be subject to federal income tax.
But before you count this as a guaranteed refund boost, let’s dig into what the law actually says, who qualifies, and how much of a difference it might make.
What the Overtime Exclusion Covers
The overtime exclusion applies for tax years 2025–2028 and is designed to give some relief to hourly workers:
Qualifying Overtime: Must meet the Fair Labor Standards Act definition—hours worked over 40 in a week or over 8 in a day.
Above-the-Line Deduction: It’s taken on the front of your tax return, reducing your adjusted gross income (AGI).
Separate Reporting: Overtime pay must be shown separately on your W-2 or 1099.
Excludes Tips: Tip income has its own set of new rules. (See our blog on tax-free tips.)
Income Limits and Caps
Deduction Cap: $1,250 per individual or $2,500 for married couples filing jointly.
Income Phase-Outs:
Begins at $150,000 AGI (single).
Begins at $300,000 AGI (married filing jointly).
Fully Phased Out: At higher income levels, the benefit disappears.
Who Will Actually Benefit
On paper, this looks like a big win. In practice, the benefits are more modest.
Most Help: Hourly employees in retail, healthcare, hospitality, and logistics.
Limited Help: Higher earners in trades, oil and gas, or professional services may phase out quickly.
Realistic Savings: While the maximum could be $3,000–$6,000 in theory, most households will see $100–$600 in tax savings.
How to Prepare Now
Check Your Pay Stubs: Confirm your employer separates overtime from base pay.
Ask HR/Payroll: Will your W-2 show overtime in a separate box starting 2025?
Estimate Your 2025 Income: If you’re near the phase-out thresholds, the benefit may be small.
Stay Ahead: Don’t rely on this deduction for your refund—treat it as an extra cushion.
Final Thoughts
The overtime tax exclusion is a helpful step for many hourly workers, but it’s not the game-changer headlines may suggest.
Want to see if this break applies to your paycheck? Book a call with our team.
Related Resource: How to Manage IRS Deadlines, Payments, and Your Account
