Major tax changes in 2025, driven by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed in July 2025, include a higher standard deduction ($15,750 single/$31,500 joint), a $2,200 child tax credit, and new deductions for seniors, tips, and overtime. The SALT deduction cap increases to $40,000, and several 2017 tax cuts are made permanent.
Some of the major tax changes effective from April 1, 2025, are revised tax slabs, rebate of up to Rs. 60,000, revised ITRU deadlines, calculation of partner's remuneration allowable as a deduction and revised TDS/TCS threshold limits. What is the Rebate available under section 87A?
Based on your annual taxable income, you will receive a new tax cut of $268 in 2026–27 and $536 in 2027–28, compared to 2024–25 tax settings. This is on top of the $1,779 you will continue to receive from the first round of tax cuts delivered in 2024–25.
The following TCJA provisions are set to expire after 2025. Near doubling of the standard deduction, repeal of personal exemptions, and lower value of several itemized deductions, including those for: State and local taxes (SALT) Mortgage interest.
Here's a summary of key changes for the 2025 tax year. The seven federal tax brackets (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%) are now permanent. Standard deductions increased, plus a new “bonus” deduction for older adults. Child tax credit increased to $2,200 per qualifying child.
Can I avoid capital gains taxes?
A higher standard deduction
The standard deduction for 2025 was raised to $15,750 for single filers, up from the $15,000 previously in place. For married couples filing jointly, it is increased to $31,500, up from $30,000. And for heads of households, their standard deduction will be $23,625, up from $22,500.
For the 2025 tax year (filing in 2026), key U.S. tax breaks include a higher standard deduction, an enhanced Child Tax Credit, new deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, plus an extra deduction for seniors (65+). A significant boost for some filers is the increased State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000, making it easier to deduct property and income taxes. These changes stem from new legislation, the "One Big Beautiful Bill," that also makes the 2017 tax brackets permanent.
In November 2025, widespread claims circulated across social media suggesting that Australian seniors would receive a one-time $1,900 Centrelink payment. While the figure gained rapid attention, no such bonus or lump-sum payment has been announced or approved by Services Australia or the Department of Social Services.
To reduce taxable income, maximize pre-tax contributions to retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, HSA), take itemized deductions like mortgage interest or charitable gifts (or "bunch" them), claim business deductions if self-employed, sell losing stocks (tax-loss harvesting), and utilize education credits or other specific tax credits.
To qualify for 0% capital gains tax, you must have long-term capital gains (assets held over a year) and your taxable income (after deductions) must fall below specific IRS thresholds, which change annually but are roughly <$48,350 for single filers and <$96,700 for married filing jointly for the 2025 tax year, allowing for higher total income when combined with deductions like the standard deduction. The key is keeping your adjusted gross income (AGI) low enough so that after subtracting deductions, your taxable income remains within these limits.
Selling property abroad comes with a double tax obligation for American citizens and residents. You'll owe taxes in the country where the property is located, and the US requires all taxpayers to report and pay taxes on worldwide income, including capital gains from foreign property sales.
On a $100,000 capital gain, you'll likely pay 15% for long-term gains, resulting in about $15,000 in federal tax (plus potential state tax), but it could be 0% or 20% depending on your total taxable income and filing status, while short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income (potentially 22-24%).
Additional key tax refund statistics
The average tax refund in 2022 for someone making between $50,000 and $75,000 was $2,712. The average tax return for someone making between $100,000 and $199,999 was $4,106.
Many are wondering if the Income Tax Department delays processing refunds if the refund amount is large, such as over Rs 50,000. According to income tax rules, there is no upper limit on refunds. Whether your refund is Rs 10,000 or Rs 1 lakh or even greater, it will be credited the same way.
To avoid the 22% tax bracket (or any higher bracket), focus on reducing your taxable income through strategies like maxing out 401(k)s and HSAs, deferring bonuses, tax-loss harvesting, smart charitable giving, and strategic asset location, understanding that higher rates only apply to income within that bracket, not your entire income.