Help strengthen your bottom line with these key tax changes
With several tax rules shifting in 2026, now is a great time for small business owners to get ahead of the changes. The new updates make many popular deductions permanent and introduce fresh opportunities to lower your tax bill. Here are the key moves that can make a real difference for your business this year.
Make the most of the updated 20% business income deduction
Good news for pass-through business owners: the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction is here to stay. Even better, more businesses will qualify under the updated rules, and a new minimum deduction helps ensure eligible owners get at least some benefit.
Reviewing your expected income and expenses early in the year can help you capture the full deduction and avoid last-minute surprises. A quick conversation with your tax advisor could translate to meaningful savings.
Considering equipment or upgrades?
If you’ve been thinking about buying equipment, vehicles or making improvements, the revived 100% bonus depreciation and increased Section 179 limits give you a powerful incentive to act.
These rules let you deduct the full cost of qualifying purchases right away, which can significantly reduce taxable income and boost cash flow. Timing matters! Assets must be placed into service in 2026, so planning purchases now can pay off later.
A bigger boost for employers supporting childcare
Starting in 2026, businesses that offer childcare benefits to employees may qualify for a much larger tax credit. The credit covers up to 40% of eligible expenses, and even higher for small employers.
Whether you offer onsite support, partner with local providers or simply help employees find resources, these investments can reduce your tax bill while strengthening workforce retention.
Plan ahead to avoid surprises
Many small businesses will also benefit from more flexible business interest deduction rules and increased retirement plan contribution limits. And as always, good recordkeeping remains one of the easiest ways to protect deductions and avoid issues later.
Use your 2025 financials as a starting point to estimate what 2026 might look like under the new rules. Before making decisions, consult a financial advisor or tax professional to ensure you’re maximizing every benefit.
