SALT Deduction Cap 2026
The cap on state and local tax (SALT) itemized deductions rose from $10,000 to $40,000 — with a phase-down for very high earners.
What the salt cap means in plain English
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act temporarily raised the cap on the state and local tax (SALT) itemized deduction from $10,000 to $40,000. The higher cap applies for tax years 2025 through 2029, then is scheduled to revert to $10,000 in 2030 unless extended.
Unlike the Schedule 1-A deductions, the SALT deduction is an itemized deduction claimed on Schedule A — you only benefit if your total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction. SALT includes state and local income (or sales) taxes plus property taxes.
For high earners, the $40,000 cap phases down. Once modified adjusted gross income exceeds $500,000, the cap is reduced by 30% of the excess income, but it never falls below the old $10,000 floor. The cap and threshold rise slightly each year through 2029.
Estimate your salt cap
Who qualifies
- You itemize deductions on Schedule A (your itemized total beats the standard deduction).
- You paid state and local income or sales taxes plus property taxes during the year.
- Married-filing-separately taxpayers get half the cap ($20,000).
- Your MAGI determines whether the $40,000 cap is reduced toward the $10,000 floor.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Expecting the higher cap to help even though you take the standard deduction — SALT only matters if you itemize.
- Forgetting the cap is per return, so married-filing-separately filers are limited to $20,000 each.
- Assuming the $40,000 cap is permanent — it is scheduled to revert to $10,000 in 2030.
- Overlooking the high-income phase-down that reduces the cap above $500,000 MAGI.
SALT Cap FAQs
What is the SALT deduction cap for 2026?
For 2026 the SALT (state and local tax) itemized deduction cap is $40,000 — up from $10,000 under prior law. The higher cap applies for tax years 2025 through 2029 before reverting to $10,000 in 2030. The cap phases down for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income above $500,000. Verify current figures with IRS instructions.
Do I have to itemize to use the higher SALT cap?
Yes. SALT is an itemized deduction claimed on Schedule A, so you only benefit if your total itemized deductions — including SALT, mortgage interest, and charitable gifts — exceed your standard deduction. If you take the standard deduction, the SALT cap doesn't affect you.
How does the high-income SALT phase-down work?
Once modified adjusted gross income exceeds $500,000, the $40,000 cap is reduced by 30% of the income above that threshold, but it never drops below the $10,000 floor. For example, $600,000 MAGI is $100,000 over the threshold; 30% of $100,000 is $30,000, reducing the cap from $40,000 to $10,000.
What taxes count toward the SALT deduction?
SALT includes state and local income taxes (or, alternatively, state and local general sales taxes) plus state and local property taxes. You add these together and deduct the total up to the cap. Federal taxes and most fees do not count.
IRS sources & verification
Last verified June 13, 2026.