New Tax Rules: Income the IRS Won’t Touch in 2026
From financial gifts to Roth withdrawal rules, here’s what income stays tax-free under the Trump 2025 tax bill, and some information on what’s changed.
The tax landscape has changed due to the GOP tax and spending law, referred to by some as the “big, beautiful bill,” signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025.
This multibillion-dollar legislation impacts everything from car loan interest to overtime pay and reported cash tips.
While it may provide some taxpayers with opportunities to save, the bill also creates some confusion regarding which income types are really non-taxable and what, if any, new rules apply.
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So, here’s more to know about non-taxable income and updates from the 2025 tax law that could affect your next tax bill.
Taxable and nontaxable income examples
When people talk about income and taxes, it’s important to distinguish between nontaxable income and tax deductions.
- Nontaxable income is exactly what it sounds like: income that the IRS doesn’t consider taxable.
- It is excluded from your gross income/exempt from federal income tax by law.
- You generally don’t report most of this income on your tax return, since it’s not subject to tax. (More on types of nontaxable income below.)
On the other hand, tax deductions reduce your taxable income but don’t necessarily transform taxable income into nontaxable income.
So, for example, you may have heard about the new car loan interest deduction, which allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 of interest paid on new U.S.-assembled, qualifying vehicle loans.
That tax break will reduce taxable income for those who properly claim it, but it doesn’t mean that car loan interest is “nontaxable income.” (Loan interest isn't classified as income to the borrower — it's an expense, and sometimes, expenses are tax-deductible).
Understanding the difference is key to interpreting tax changes and managing expectations when it comes to your tax burden. So, let’s dive into some types of income the IRS doesn’t tax.
How much of a financial gift is tax-free?
Financial gifts are a well-known category of non-taxable income. That's due in part to the generous annual federal gift tax limit.
The annual federal gift tax exclusion increased to $19,000 per individual for 2026, enabling folks to give that amount to any recipient without triggering gift tax or filing requirements. Recipients also don’t pay tax on these gifts.
- Unfortunately, gifts given by employers to employees that are akin to cash, i.e., gift cards, are usually considered taxable by the IRS.
- Charitable gifts are generally nontaxable (the donor doesn't pay tax on the amount given). Be sure to get receipts and ensure the charities you give to are legitimate, since the gift/donation may reduce taxable income as a deduction.
Related Deduction: As of 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction can claim an above-the-line deduction for charitable contributions — up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for joint filers. Donations to donor-advised funds and private foundations will be excluded.
Are inheritances taxable?
Inheritances remain non-taxable at the federal level. That includes inheritances of cash, property, etc.
But remember that if the money you receive from an inheritance subsequently generates income, like the earnings from an interest-bearing account, it might be taxable.
Also, states like Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania continue to impose inheritance taxes at varied rates.
- Meanwhile, the current federal estate tax exemption amount for 2026 is $115 million per individual and $30 million for married couples filing jointly.
- This means estates valued below these thresholds generally avoid federal estate tax.
- About a dozen states have estate taxes.
Roth account rules
Qualified distributions (i.e., from a Roth account at least five years old since you first contributed and when you're age 59½ or older) are tax-exempt.
The IRS now allows you to make regular contributions to your Roth IRA at any age. You can leave any amount in your Roth IRA for as long as you live.
- Earnings are tax-free if the account has been open for at least five years and the owner is 59½ years old or older.
- Early withdrawal of earnings is taxable and penalized unless exceptions apply (e.g., disability, first-time homebuyer expenses).
Are Roth Conversions Taxable? Roth conversions are taxable. The amount converted is added to your taxable income for the year of the conversion and taxed at ordinary income tax rates. Consult a trusted tax professional with questions or concerns about your retirement savings account(s).
Nontaxable fringe benefits and HSA contribution tax benefits
Employer-paid health insurance remains tax-exempt, along with up to $50,000 of group term life insurance and employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
Qualified HSA distributions for medical expenses are tax-free; non-qualified distributions face tax and a 20% penalty unless the account holder is age 65 or older.
Is Social Security taxable in 2026?
Disability payments, workers’ compensation, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Veterans Affairs disability pensions generally remain non-taxable.
Important: Despite the Trump administration's claims to the contrary, Social Security benefits are not universally tax-free in 2026. Instead, up to 85% of benefits remain subject to federal tax depending on your income level.
For more information, see No Social Security Tax Changes in Trump's New Bill.
Also, some states tax Social Security income in 2026.
Life insurance proceeds
Life insurance death benefits paid to beneficiaries generally escape income tax.
However, interest earned on the proceeds might be taxable, and tax rules can get complex if the policyholder surrenders the policy for cash. Loans against policies are usually non-taxable if policy conditions are met.
Note: The IRS has an online tool that can help determine whether life insurance policy proceeds you've received are taxable.
Capital gains and muni bond interest
Interest from government-issued bonds is mostly tax-exempt, though some municipal bond interest may be taxable. U.S. Treasury securities are taxable federally, while corporate bond interest is taxable at both federal and state levels.
The capital gains exclusion for primary residence is $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for those married filing jointly, subject to ownership/use rules.
Capital losses can offset gains, with up to $3,000 deductible annually, and excess losses may be carried forward.
What about overtime pay and no tax on tips?
The new tax deductions for overtime pay and reported tips allow some workers to reduce their taxable income by amounts up to set limits.
But it's important to remember that overtime pay and tips are still considered taxable income subject to payroll taxes and reporting.
‘No tax on tips’ explained
Under the 2025 tax bill, eligible workers can deduct up to $25,000 annually from taxable income for “qualified tips" starting in 2025 and through 2028.
The deduction phases out above $150,000 MAGI for singles and $300,000 for joint filers.
The IRS and Treasury Department have identified a list of occupations that typically receive tips, including but not limited to:
- Food and beverage workers (bartenders, wait staff, cooks)
- Entertainment workers (musicians, dancers, DJs)
- Hospitality staff (bellhops, maids, concierges)
- Home service providers (plumbers, electricians)
- Personal care professionals (hairstylists, massage therapists)
Tips must be voluntary cash or equivalent (includes electronic tips).
No tax on overtime pay?
Under the 2025 tax bill, eligible workers can deduct up to $12,500 of overtime pay ($25,000 for joint filers) from their federal taxable income for tax years 2025 through 2028.
The tax break applies to the portion of overtime pay that exceeds your regular hourly rate — typically the half-time premium mandated under federal labor law.
- The benefit phases out for incomes above $150,000 (single) or $300,000 (married filing jointly).
- This deduction applies only to W-2 employees whose overtime meets federal standards and reduces income tax liability without affecting payroll taxes like Social Security or Medicare.
Other types of non-taxable income
Long-Term Care Insurance: Benefits received from tax-qualified long-term care policies are generally tax-free.
Alimony and Child Support: Alimony payments received under divorce or separation agreements executed after 2018 are not taxable income to the recipient, nor deductible by the payer. Child support payments are nontaxable income and aren’t tax-deductible.
Annuities: Generally, annuities purchased with after-tax dollars are not taxed on the principal when withdrawn; only earnings (investment gains) are taxable when payments or withdrawals are made. Annuities funded with pre-tax dollars have different rules.
States with no income tax
As mentioned, some states tax inheritances, estates, or Social Security benefits even though they are federally exempt.
If you live in one of the nine states without personal income tax — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, or Wyoming — you won't be taxed on your earned income at the state level. But worthy of note:
- Washington State has a capital gains tax.
- New Hampshire eliminated its interest and dividend income tax.
Additionally, while some portion of your Social Security benefits might be subject to federal tax, most states don't tax Social Security income.
For more information, see Kiplinger's list of states that still tax Social Security.
Tax changes 2026: Bottom line
New rules and changes in the 2025 tax overhayul mean it’s more important than ever to understand taxable and nontaxable income.
Consult a tax professional for personalized advice to help ensure you take full advantage of federal and state tax incentives available to you and avoid any potential pitfalls that could arise.
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