So, you’re looking at your paycheck or staring down a tax return and wondering: what is the deal with those tax cuts from a few years back? Honestly, there’s a massive amount of confusion floating around about when did trump's tax plan end, and the answer is actually a lot more complicated than a single date on a calendar.
If you’re looking for the short, technical answer, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was originally designed with a "sunset" clause for most of its individual provisions. That sunset was locked in for December 31, 2025.
But here’s where it gets wild. We aren't in 2017 anymore. Since we're now in early 2026, the landscape has shifted because of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which was signed into law in July 2025. This new legislation basically swooped in at the last second to stop the "tax cliff" everyone was panicking about.
If you're trying to figure out if your taxes just skyrocketed or if those lower brackets are still a thing, you’ve come to the right place. Let's break down what actually ended, what stayed, and what’s new for your 2026 filings.
The 2025 Cliff: When Did Trump's Tax Plan End (or Not)?
Back in the day, the 2017 tax plan was written using a process called reconciliation. To skip a Senate filibuster, the GOP had to make sure the bill didn't add to the deficit after a 10-year window. Their solution? Make the corporate tax cuts permanent but put an expiration date on almost everything that affected regular people.
Most people thought that on January 1, 2026, we’d all wake up to the old 2017 tax rates. We’re talking about the top rate jumping back from 37% to 39.6%, and the standard deduction getting cut in half.
But the 2025 OBBBA changed the game. It didn't just extend the old plan; it modified it. So, while the original version of the plan "ended" in terms of its legal expiration date, the core spirit—and most of the lower rates—actually got a permanent lease on life.
What stayed the same?
Under the new 2025-2026 rules, the seven tax brackets we’ve gotten used to (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%) are now permanent. You don't have to worry about your bracket jumping up just because the calendar turned. Also, those personal exemptions that were killed off in 2017? They’re still gone. The trade-off for the higher standard deduction is a permanent reality now.
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The Parts That Actually Expired
Even with the new law, not everything survived the transition into 2026. If you were a big fan of certain green energy credits or very specific business deductions, you might be feeling the sting right now.
- Clean Energy Incentives: Many of the credits from the previous administration's Inflation Reduction Act were on the chopping block. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) and the Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D) essentially ended for any property placed in service after December 31, 2025. If you didn't get those solar panels or that new heat pump installed by New Year's Eve, you're likely out of luck.
- The "Bonus" Senior Deduction: This is a weird one. The OBBBA added a temporary $6,000 "bonus" standard deduction for people 65 and older. But unlike the main brackets, this specific perk is scheduled to expire in 2029. It’s a "here for a good time, not a long time" kind of situation.
- The SALT Cap Drama: This has been the biggest headache for people in places like New York or California. The original $10,000 cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions was supposed to end at the end of 2025. The new law actually raised the cap to **$40,000** for 2025 and 2026, but it’s scheduled to drop back down to $10,000 for joint filers by 2030.
Business Owners: The 100% Bonus Depreciation Revival
If you run a business, you probably remember that "bonus depreciation" was slowly dying. It was 100%, then 80%, then 60%... it was heading toward zero.
Well, the 2025 law brought it back from the grave. For the 2026 tax year, 100% bonus depreciation is back in effect for qualified property. This is a massive win for companies looking to buy equipment or machinery because you can write off the whole cost in year one again.
Also, small business owners get to keep the Section 199A pass-through deduction. There was a huge fear that this 20% deduction would vanish, which would have been a massive tax hike for LLCs and S-corps. It’s been extended, and in some cases, slightly expanded.
Real-World Impact: 2025 vs. 2026
Let's look at the numbers because that's where the rubber meets the road. For the 2026 tax year (the ones you'll file in early 2027), the standard deduction has been nudged up for inflation.
- Single filers: $16,100
- Married filing jointly: $32,200
- Head of household: $24,150
Compare that to where we would have been if the plan had truly "ended" without a replacement. We would have seen a standard deduction of roughly $8,300 for individuals. That’s a nearly $8,000 difference in taxable income. For a middle-class family, that’s thousands of dollars staying in their pocket instead of going to Uncle Sam.
The New "Trump Accounts"
Something most people aren't talking about yet is the introduction of "Trump Accounts" (TAs) for minors. Starting in 2026, these function sort of like an IRA for kids. The government is even putting a one-time $1,000 contribution into accounts for babies born between 2025 and 2028. It's a brand new piece of the tax code that definitely wasn't in the original 2017 plan.
Why This Still Matters
Tax laws aren't just about math; they're about how you plan your life. If you were waiting to sell stock or buy a house because you thought the rates were going up in 2026, you can breathe a little easier. The 2025 OBBBA stabilized the environment.
However, the "cost" of these extensions is a hot topic. Groups like the Tax Policy Center and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) have pointed out that keeping these lower rates permanent could add trillions to the national debt over the next decade. There’s always a trade-off.
What You Should Do Right Now
Since we are officially in the post-2025 era, your strategy needs to shift. You aren't "waiting for the end" anymore; you're living in the new permanent reality.
- Max out those 401(k)s: For 2026, the limit is up to $24,500. Use it.
- Check your SALT: If you live in a high-tax state, the new $40,000 cap is a huge opportunity to itemize if you haven't in years.
- Audit your business assets: If you need new equipment, that 100% bonus depreciation makes 2026 a great year to buy.
- Look into Trump Accounts: if you have a newborn or a young child, check with your bank about opening a TA to catch that $1,000 government seed money.
The bottom line? The 2017 tax plan didn't so much "end" as it did "evolve." Most of the benefits stayed, some got better, and a few specific credits vanished into the sunset.
Keep an eye on your withholding. With the standard deduction and brackets shifting, a quick check-in with a CPA or a run through a 2026 tax calculator is a smart move to avoid a surprise bill next April.
Review your current paycheck withholdings to ensure they align with the new 2026 standard deduction of $16,100 for individuals or $32,200 for joint filers. If you are a business owner, schedule a meeting with your tax professional to plan for the 100% bonus depreciation on any capital expenses planned for this year.