US Pass-Through Business Deduction Calculator (QBI)
Estimate the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction for pass-through businesses. Provides an indicative calculation; not a substitute for professional tax advice.
- Page updated:
- Jun 10, 2026
- Tool version:
- v1.2.0
Overview
Estimate the Section 199A Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction for owners of pass-through businesses — sole proprietorships, partnerships, S-corporations and most LLCs. The deduction is generally 20% of qualified business income, capped at 20% of your taxable income excluding net capital gains.
Educational estimate, not tax advice. This tool models the simple case below the income thresholds. Above them, W-2 wage and property (UBIA) limits and special rules for specified service trades or businesses (SSTBs) apply — see the methodology.
Results
Tentative deduction (20% of QBI)
$20,000.00
20% of (taxable income − net capital gains)
$30,000.00
QBI deduction
$20,000.00
Estimated federal tax saved
$4,800.00
Deduction as % of QBI
20
How to read the result
- What it means
- The displayed value is an estimate based on your inputs. It represents the calculated scenario under current assumptions, not a guaranteed amount.
- Calculation limits
- The model uses simplified formulas and cannot account for all variables in your specific case (local regulations, personal conditions, temporal changes).
- Next step
- Use the result as a starting point. Adjust parameters to compare scenarios and validate with a professional when needed.
Glossary+−
- Qualified Business Income (QBI)
Net income from a qualifying U.S. pass-through trade or business, excluding wages, capital gains, dividends and interest.
- Section 199A
The Internal Revenue Code section creating the up-to-20% deduction for qualified business income of pass-through entities.
- Specified Service Trade or Business (SSTB)
Service fields (health, law, accounting, consulting, etc.) whose owners lose the deduction above the income thresholds.
- W-2 Wage / UBIA Limit
Above-threshold cap based on 50% of W-2 wages, or 25% of wages plus 2.5% of the unadjusted basis of qualified property.
- Income Limitation
The rule capping the deduction at 20% of taxable income reduced by net capital gains and qualified dividends.
Key takeaways
Enter your QBI, taxable income, net capital gains and marginal rate to estimate the Section 199A deduction (the lesser of 20% of QBI or 20% of taxable income net of capital gains) and the tax it saves.
Models the below-threshold case only — excludes W-2/UBIA limits and the SSTB phase-out. Confirm with IRS Form 8995 guidance or a tax professional.
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Worked examples
Example: $100,000 QBI, $150,000 taxable income, 24% rate
A sole proprietor below the income threshold with no net capital gains.
Interpretation
The full 20% of QBI ($20,000) is deductible because it is below the 20%-of-taxable-income cap, cutting federal tax by about $4,800.
Frequently asked questions
What is qualified business income?
The net income from a qualifying U.S. pass-through trade or business. It excludes wages/salary, guaranteed payments, capital gains, dividends and interest income.
Why is the deduction limited by taxable income?
The deduction cannot exceed 20% of taxable income minus net capital gains and qualified dividends, so it never offsets income already taxed at preferential capital-gains rates.
Does this work above the income thresholds?
No. Above $197,300 single / $394,600 MFJ (2025), W-2 wage and property limits apply and specified service businesses (consulting, health, law, etc.) are phased out. This tool models only the simpler below-threshold case.
Is the QBI deduction permanent?
It was enacted by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Confirm current law and thresholds, as the provision has been subject to legislative change. See IRS guidance.
Sources & references
- IRS — Qualified Business Income Deduction (Section 199A): https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/qualified-business-income-deduction
- IRS — About Form 8995, Qualified Business Income Deduction Simplified Computation: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8995
- IRS — Facts About the Qualified Business Income Deduction: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/facts-about-the-qualified-business-income-deduction
Quality & oversight
- Author
- Ugo Candido, MBA
- Maintained by
- Ugo Candido, MBA
- Page updated
- Jun 10, 2026
- Tool version
- v1.2.0