It is April 29, 2026. The IRS has released the new inflation adjustments. For 2026, the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly has increased to $32,200.
1. New Tax Brackets for High-Earners
- The 32% Threshold: Incomes over $201,775 ($403,550 for couples) now hit the 32% mark.
- The Strategy: With the standard deduction rising, many LLC owners should re-evaluate if itemizing (e.g., mortgage interest, state taxes) still makes sense under the OBBBA permanent changes.
- The Shark Insight: “The higher standard deduction is a gift, but it’s also a distraction. If your LLC is clearing $200k+, you need to focus on above-the-line deductions. Don’t let the standard deduction make you lazy; every dollar you deduct at the business level is worth more than a personal deduction.”