09/07/2026
Worked overtime in 2026? Check Box 14 of your W-2 before claiming the new deduction.
Beginning with 2026 W-2s, qualified overtime compensation is expected to appear in Box 14 using code “TT.” This amount can help determine the overtime pay deduction available on your tax return.
The maximum deduction is:
💵 $12,500 for single filers
💵 $25,000 for married couples filing jointly
The deduction begins to phase out when adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 for single filers or $300,000 for joint filers. It is also temporary and currently scheduled to expire after 2028.
Here is the part that may surprise employees: the deduction does not apply to all wages earned during overtime hours. For an employee paid time and a half, it generally applies only to the additional half-time premium that qualifies under the rules.
More hours do not automatically mean a bigger deduction. The details on your W-2 matter.
To listen to our full Episode 148 of Accounting and Accountability, visit https://fawcasson.libsyn.com/episode-148-105-billion-in-improper-tax-credits-whos-watching-the-irs