03/31/2026
If you usually file your own taxes on TurboTax or FreeTaxUSA this is the one year I’m telling you: don’t gamble with it.
Why? Because the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” created brand new deductions for tips and overtime starting with tax year 2025. 
What’s different this year
➖You may be able to deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tip income (if you qualify). 
➖You may be able to deduct qualified overtime (up to certain limits), but you have to calculate it the right way. 
➖These deductions have income phaseouts (so not everyone qualifies). 
Here’s the “DARN” that can mess up DIY filers:
For 2025, the IRS said W-2s and 1099s won’t be updated to clearly separate tip/overtime details like you’d expect. In plain language: your forms may not spoon feed you what you need, and you might have to prove and calculate amounts using paystubs/logs. 
So when people self file, I’m seeing these common problems:
• Leaving money on the table (missing deductions)
• Claiming the deduction wrong (refund delays, IRS letters, amendments)
• Not having the right records to back up the numbers
If you earned tips or worked overtime in 2025…
This is the year to let a pro handle it so you can:
✔️ claim every dollar you qualify for
✔️ document it correctly
✔️ avoid delays and headaches