QBI Deduction Calculator (Section 199A)

2026

Calculate your Qualified Business Income deduction. See 20% deduction with W-2 wage and SSTB limits.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: SBA — Business Guide

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Filing Status
Business Type
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QBI Deduction

$30,000.00

Tax Savings

$7,200.00

Base (20% of QBI)

$30,000.00

Deduction Limits

20% of QBI$30,000.00
50% of W-2 Wages$40,000.00
25% of W-2 + 2.5% of UBIA$22,500.00
W-2 Wage Limit (higher of above)$40,000.00
20% of Taxable Income$40,000.00
Effective QBI Deduction$30,000.00

Phase-Out Status

StatusBelow phase-out — full deduction available

Use the QBI Deduction Calculator (Section 199A) above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Section 199A of the tax code grants many self-employed individuals and small business owners a Qualified Business Income deduction, and this tool estimates yours. The deduction works by carving a slice off your taxable income, which for eligible filers can translate into meaningful tax savings without changing how the business actually operates.

The calculation starts from three inputs: your QBI, the W-2 wages your business paid, and the unadjusted basis of qualified property. From there it takes the lesser of 20% of QBI or 20% of taxable income measured before this deduction and before capital gains. Income limitations and the W-2 wage and property tests then come into play, applying differently to specified service trades or businesses (SSTBs) than to non-SSTBs.

Getting the SSTB-versus-non-SSTB classification wrong is one of the surest ways to misstate the deduction, since the two categories follow different rules once income climbs. Watch the taxable income thresholds as well: cross them and the W-2 wage and property limitations kick in, which can shrink the deduction or wipe it out entirely.

Example: Freelance Graphic Designer

  1. 1 Sarah, a single freelance graphic designer, has $100,000 in QBI, $0 in W-2 wages, $0 in unadjusted basis of qualified property, and a taxable income (before QBI deduction) of $90,000. Her business is not an SSTB.
  2. 2 The calculator first determines 20% of her QBI ($100,000 * 0.20 = $20,000) and 20% of her taxable income ($90,000 * 0.20 = $18,000). Since her taxable income is below the threshold for W-2 wage and property limitations, the lower of these two amounts is her preliminary deduction.
  3. 3 Sarah's QBI deduction is $18,000.
  4. 4 This $18,000 deduction reduces Sarah's taxable income, resulting in a lower tax liability. It's crucial to understand how your business classification and income level affect the available deduction before filing.

Source: SBA — Business Guide · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the QBI deduction?
The Section 199A QBI deduction allows owners of pass-through businesses (S-corps, partnerships, sole proprietorships) to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income. On $200,000 of QBI, this could save $40,000 from taxable income, worth $8,800-$14,800 in taxes depending on your bracket.
What is the income limit for the full QBI deduction in 2026?
Below $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (married filing jointly) of taxable income, the full 20% deduction is generally available regardless of business type. Above these thresholds, the deduction may be limited by W-2 wages paid, and certain specified service businesses (SSTBs) like law, medicine, and consulting face phase-outs.
Do doctors and lawyers get the QBI deduction?
Specified service businesses (law, medicine, accounting, consulting, athletics, financial services) receive the full QBI deduction below the income thresholds. The deduction phases out between $200,000-$250,000 (single) and $400,000-$500,000 (married). Above the upper threshold, SSTBs get zero QBI deduction.