Overtime Pay Is Now Tax-Free — See Your Savings
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Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), overtime income is now exempt from federal income tax up to $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for married filing jointly. This provision benefits approximately 33% of hourly workers who regularly earn overtime, potentially saving thousands per year.
Ready to run the numbers?
Why: The OBBBA overtime tax exemption is a significant new benefit for hourly workers, but the actual savings depend on your overtime hours, pay rate, tax bracket, and filing status. This calculator gives you a personalized estimate of your tax savings from overtime exemption.
How: We calculate your tax savings by determining your overtime income, applying the OBBBA exemption cap ($12,500 single / $25,000 MFJ), and computing the federal income tax you no longer owe on that exempt overtime income based on your marginal tax bracket.
Run the calculator when you are ready.
Pay & Hours
Tax Savings by Bracket
Cumulative Savings Over 52 Weeks
Overtime Pay Breakdown
Savings at Different OT Hours
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
The overtime tax exemption is one of the most impactful tax changes for American workers in decades. Approximately 33% of hourly workers regularly work overtime, averaging 4.4 extra hours per week. Under the new law, overtime pay — hours beyond 40 at 1.5x base rate — is deductible from federal income tax. A worker earning $25/hour with 8 overtime hours weekly saves approximately $4,320 in federal taxes annually. FICA taxes (7.65%) still apply, but the income tax savings represent a significant boost to take-home pay.
Sources: IRS (irs.gov), BLS Overtime Statistics (bls.gov), FLSA Overtime Rules (dol.gov), Tax Foundation Analysis (taxfoundation.org)
Key Takeaways
- • Overtime pay (hours over 40/week at 1.5x) is excluded from federal income tax under the new law
- • FICA (Social Security + Medicare) still applies to all wages including overtime
- • Workers in the 22-24% brackets save the most — roughly $4,000-$8,000 annually with typical OT
- • State tax treatment varies; some states conform fully, partially, or not at all
Did You Know?
How Does the Overtime Tax Exemption Work?
Step 1: Calculate Overtime Pay
OT = Base Wage × 1.5 × OT Hours/Week × Weeks. Example: $25 × 1.5 × 8 × 50 = $15,000.
Step 2: Federal Tax Comparison
Without: tax on (Regular + OT + Other − Std Ded). With: tax on (Regular + Other − Std Ded). Savings = Tax Before − Tax After.
Step 3: FICA and State
FICA (7.65%) still applies. State savings depend on state conformity (yes/partial/no).
Expert Tips
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Before Exemption | After Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Federal tax on OT | Full OT taxed | OT excluded |
| FICA on OT | 7.65% on all | 7.65% on all (unchanged) |
| State tax | Varies | Varies (check state rules) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overtime tax exemption?
The overtime tax exemption, signed into law as part of Trump's tax reform, allows workers to deduct overtime pay from their federal taxable income. This means hours worked beyond 40 per week at 1.5x pay are no longer subject to federal income tax, though Social Security and Medicare taxes still apply.
How much can I save with tax-free overtime?
Savings depend on your tax bracket. A worker earning $25/hour working 8 overtime hours/week saves approximately $3,900-$5,200 annually in federal taxes. Higher earners in the 22-24% brackets see even larger savings.
Does my state also exempt overtime from taxes?
Not all states conform to the federal overtime exemption. Some states (like Texas, Florida, Nevada) have no income tax. Others may fully conform, partially conform, or not recognize the deduction at all. Check your state's latest tax guidance.
Do I still pay FICA on overtime?
Yes. Social Security tax (6.2%) and Medicare tax (1.45%) still apply to overtime earnings. The exemption only covers federal and potentially state income taxes. FICA reduces your overtime savings by about 7.65%.
Who qualifies for the overtime tax deduction?
Non-exempt workers covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) who work more than 40 hours per week qualify. Salaried exempt employees, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals generally do not qualify for this deduction.
How do I claim the overtime tax deduction?
Report overtime earnings separately on your tax return. Your employer's W-2 may include overtime in a separate box. Use the new IRS form or worksheet to calculate and claim the deduction on your federal return.
Key Statistics
Official Data Sources
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 federal tax brackets and the overtime tax exemption. Actual tax liability depends on your full tax situation, deductions, credits, and state rules. FICA and state taxes are modeled but may vary. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice. Not legal or tax advice.
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