Loopholes > Federal > Qualified Overtime Compensation Deduction
DEDUCTION MEDIUM SAVINGS INDIVIDUAL

Qualified Overtime Compensation Deduction

IRC §225

Allows a deduction for qualified overtime pay received under the Fair Labor Standards Act, effectively making a portion of overtime pay tax-free.

Eligibility

Available to individuals receiving FLSA overtime pay. Limited to $12,500 ($25,000 joint). Phases out starting at $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 joint). Requires a valid SSN and joint return if married.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Qualified Overtime Compensation Deduction?

Available to individuals receiving FLSA overtime pay. Limited to $12,500 ($25,000 joint). Phases out starting at $150,000 MAGI ($300,000 joint). Requires a valid SSN and joint return if married.

How does the Qualified Overtime Compensation Deduction work?

Allows a deduction for qualified overtime pay received under the Fair Labor Standards Act, effectively making a portion of overtime pay tax-free.

What law authorizes the Qualified Overtime Compensation Deduction?

The Qualified Overtime Compensation Deduction is authorized under IRC §225 of the Internal Revenue Code (Title 26, United States Code).

Statutory Text — IRC §225

Source: Internal Revenue Code, Title 26, United States Code

§ 225. Qualified overtime compensation(a) In generalThere shall be allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the qualified overtime compensation received during the taxable year and included on statements furnished to the individual pursuant to section 6041(d)(4) or 6051(a)(19). (b) Limitation(1) In generalThe amount allowed as a deduction under this section for any taxable year shall not exceed $12,500 ($25,000 in the case of a joint return). (2) Limitation based on adjusted gross income(A) In generalThe amount allowable as a deduction under subsection (a) (after application of paragraph (1)) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by $100 for each $1,000 by which the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 ($300,000 in the case of a joint return). (B) Modified adjusted gross incomeFor purposes of this paragraph, the term “modified adjusted gross income” means the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year increased by any amount excluded from gross income under section 911, 931, or 933. (c) Qualified overtime compensation(1) In generalFor purposes of this section, the term “qualified overtime compensation” means overtime compensation paid to an individual required under section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 that is in excess of the regular rate (as used in such section) at which such individual is employed. (2) ExclusionsSuch term shall not include any qualified tip (as defined in section 224(d)). (d) Social security number required(1) In generalNo deduction shall be allowed under this section unless the taxpayer includes on the return of tax for the taxable year such individual’s social security number. (2) Social security number definedFor purposes of paragraph (1), the term “social security number” shall have the meaning given such term in section 24(h)(7). (e) Married individualsIf the taxpayer is a married individual (within the meaning of section 7703), this section shall apply only if the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s spouse file a joint return for the taxable year. (f) RegulationsThe Secretary shall issue such regulations or other guidance as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this section, including regulations or other guidance to prevent abuse of the deduction allowed by this section. (g) TerminationNo deduction shall be allowed under this section for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2028. (Added Pub. L. 119–21, title VII, § 70202(a), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 174.) Editorial Notes References in TextSection 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), is classified to section 207 of Title 29, Labor. Prior ProvisionsA prior section 225 was renumbered section 226 of this title.

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