Understanding the QBI limitation helps tax professionals advise high‑earning couples on optimal filing strategies, directly affecting their after‑tax income.
The video walks through a qualified business income (QBI) deduction example for John, a married sole‑proprietor running a general store in 2026.
John’s Schedule C shows $200,000 of qualified business income, while his adjusted gross income of $280,000 reflects his spouse’s wages. After subtracting the assumed $29,200 standard deduction, his modified taxable income (MTI) is $250,800, which drives the QBI limitation calculation.
The QBI deduction equals the lesser of 20 % of QBI ($40,000) or 20 % of MTI ($50,160). Because $40,000 is smaller, it is applied, reducing taxable income to $210,800, the figure used to compute his final tax liability.
The example highlights how high‑income married filers can have the QBI deduction capped, underscoring the need for careful income and deduction planning to maximize tax benefits.
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