2026 Filing Season Change
No Tax on Overtime: Federal Overtime Pay Exclusion for 2025 Returns
Overtime pay is now excluded from federal income tax for W-2 employees filing 2025 returns. Claim the exclusion using the new Schedule 1-A.
Who Qualifies
W-2 employees who earned overtime pay (hours worked beyond 40 per week at 1.5x or higher rate). Must be non-exempt employees covered by FLSA overtime provisions. Salaried exempt employees do not qualify.
Key Facts
Overtime pay (hours beyond 40/week) is excluded from federal income tax for 2025.
Only W-2 employees eligible for FLSA overtime qualify — salaried exempt workers do not.
There is no dollar cap on the overtime exclusion amount.
FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) still apply to overtime earnings.
Claim the exclusion on Schedule 1-A, the same new form used for tip exclusions.
Employers must separately report overtime pay in Box 14 of your W-2 for 2025.
Important Deadlines
Apr 15, 2026
SoonFederal filing deadline for 2025 individual returns (Form 1040)
Oct 15, 2026
On TrackExtended filing deadline if you filed Form 4868
Jan 31, 2026
PassedDeadline for employers to issue W-2s with overtime breakout in Box 14
FAQ
How do I claim the no-tax-on-overtime exclusion on my 2025 return?
Use the new IRS Schedule 1-A attached to your Form 1040. Enter your total overtime pay as shown in Box 14 of your W-2. Schedule 1-A calculates the exclusion, which flows to Schedule 1 as an adjustment to gross income.
Does the overtime exclusion apply to salaried employees?
Only if you are a non-exempt salaried employee who earns overtime under the FLSA. Salaried employees classified as exempt (most managers, professionals, and administrative roles earning above the FLSA salary threshold) do not qualify for the overtime exclusion.
Do I still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on overtime pay?
Yes. The exclusion covers federal income tax only. FICA taxes (6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare) still apply to all overtime earnings. Your employer will continue withholding FICA from overtime pay.
Where do I find my overtime pay amount for the exclusion?
Check Box 14 of your 2025 W-2. Employers are now required to separately report overtime compensation in Box 14. If your employer did not break out overtime pay, contact your payroll department for a corrected W-2 before filing.
Can self-employed workers claim the overtime exclusion?
No. The overtime exclusion is limited to W-2 employees who earn overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and gig workers cannot claim this exclusion.
Other 2026 Tax Changes
No Tax on Tips
Tips are now excluded from federal income tax for qualifying tipped workers filing 2025 returns. Claim the exclusion on the new Schedule 1-A.
Schedule 1-A
Schedule 1-A is a brand-new IRS form for 2025 tax returns. It is used to claim the federal income tax exclusions for tip income and overtime pay under the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Senior Standard Deduction
Seniors age 65 and older receive an additional $4,000 standard deduction on top of the normal amount for 2025 returns, providing significant tax relief for retirees.
Child Tax Credit $2,500
The Child Tax Credit increases to $2,500 per qualifying child for 2025 returns, up from $2,000 per child. More of the credit is refundable for lower-income families.
All Tax Changes
Complete overview of all tax changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill that affect 2025 federal tax returns filed in 2026, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, Schedule 1-A, increased Child Tax Credit, and enhanced senior deduction.