A thriller-style breakdown of the most dangerous assumptions lurking in your 2025 tax return.
The Date Was July 4th.
The bill was signed. The fuse was lit. And the countdown began.
Now, with less than 6 months to react, taxpayers are walking straight into a trap.
Why?
Because OBBA doesn't punish what you do wrong—it punishes what you fail to notice.
Mistake #1: Thinking Bonus Depreciation Is Automatic
“100% bonus depreciation is permanent,” they said.
What they didn't say? Not for everyone.
Yes, OBBA makes 100% bonus depreciation permanent.
But:
- Used equipment purchased from related parties? Disqualified.
- Vehicles used for both business and personal? Must follow new tracing rules.
- Green energy assets or modular office units? Now require OBBA-certified specs.
How it costs you: $40,000–$150,000 in missed write-offs or IRS reversals if filed without supporting OBBA certifications or safe harbor elections.
Mistake #2: Missing the Section 174 R&D Election
It's not optional anymore. It's a trapdoor.
Under OBBA, R&D expenses must be amortized over 5 or 15 years unless you file an immediate expensing election.
If you:
- Develop software
- Pay contractors to build internal systems
- Have an in-house IT or R&D team
And you forget to file that election?
Your 2025 refund may disappear, and your 2026 audit risk will skyrocket.
Cost: Loss of up to 80% of expected deductions in a single year.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the New Rules for W-2 Earners
“I'm just an employee. I don't need tax planning.”
OBBA says: Think again.
You may now qualify for:
- $25K in tax-free tips
- $12.5K in tax-free overtime
- $10K vehicle interest deduction (if U.S.-made)
- New Trump Savings Account for newborns
But there's a catch:
These apply only if your income stays under specific AGI thresholds — and your payroll, withholdings, and spouse's income may push you over without warning.
Cost: $8,000+ in missed deductions just for earning slightly over the limit without planning.
Mistake #4: Assuming the Child Tax Credit Is the Same
“We have two kids, so that's $4,400, right?”
Not necessarily.
Under OBBA:
- CTC increases to $2,200/child
- It's now partially refundable
- And eligibility expands AND narrows depending on age and dependency
Mistake: Failing to reconcile this with your filing status and underreporting dependents in split-custody cases.
Cost: $2,200–$6,600 in missed refunds (plus audits for duplicate claims).
Mistake #5: Not Reviewing Your Entity Structure
If you haven't reviewed your LLC, S-corp, or partnership setup since OBBA passed…
You may be paying 15–25% more tax than your competitors.
Why?
- QBI deduction is now permanent — but SSTB rules are stricter
- S-corps can now optimize wages vs. pass-throughs
- Certain businesses (real estate, consulting, and med-tech) may now re-qualify after previously being excluded
Cost: $10K–$50K/year in extra taxes due to misaligned classification.
Bonus Mistake: Not Working With a Team That Reads the Fine Print
Most tax professionals will catch up in 2026.
But OBBA is already law — and every decision you make in 2025 either locks in a benefit… or a burden.
At AG FinTax, We See What Others Miss
Our clients aren't surprised by IRS notices.
They're ready—with structured deductions, properly timed elections, and airtight documentation.
What You Can Do Right Now:
Review your R&D + bonus depreciation elections
Recheck W-2 thresholds and plan AGI accordingly
Recalculate QBI eligibility under your industry code
File your Trump Savings Account before birth window closes
Book a planning session before these errors cost you Coming Next: Blog 3 – “The Bonus Mirage: 100% Write-Offs That Don't Really Exist” 
Why your real estate, vehicle, or tech asset may not qualify — and how to structure it right before Q1 2026. Book Your OBBA Action Review Today
