- Income tax brackets and rates changed. Most notably, the top bracket tax rate was reduced from 39.6% to 37%—with similar rate reductions in other brackets—in addition to brackets widening in some instances.
- The standard deduction increased for single taxpayers from $6,350 to $12,000, and for married filing jointly from $12,700 to $24,000. Many who had previously itemized will now take the standard deduction.
- Personal exemptions were eliminated (previously $4,050 per person).
- The deduction for state/local property taxes and income taxes (SALT) is now limited to $10,000.
- Unless grandfathered, the limit on mortgages qualifying for the home mortgage deduction is reduced from $1,000,000 to $750,000.
- The deductibility of home equity loan interest is greatly curtailed.
- Miscellaneous itemized deductions (subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income threshold) are no longer deductible.
- The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) exemption amount is significantly increased, which will reduce the number of taxpayers subject to the AMT.
- No deduction for alimony allowed to payor or income applied to recipient for divorce or separation agreements executed after December 31, 2018, with some grandfathered exceptions.
- Personal casualty losses are eliminated, unless attributable to a federally declared disaster or to offset casualty gains for the year.
For more information on how tax reform may affect your year-end tax planning, download Tax Matters, our comprehensive guide to help you navigate the complex new tax code.