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New Member
posted Jun 5, 2019 4:36:16 PM

Am I entitled to the QBI deduction if I am self-employed as CPA?

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Jun 5, 2019 4:36:18 PM

Maybe.  In your case, whether or not you will get a QBI deduction will depend on two factors:

  1. Your Filing Status
  2. How much is your AGI

As a CPA, you are considered a Specialty Services Trade Business (SSTB).  For those who are in those fields, QBI is phased-out once the thresholds are reached until the amount of QBI deduction is zero.

If you are filing Married Filing Joint or Qualifying Widow/Widower, the threshold begins at 315,000 of AGI, and is completely phased out at $415,000.  For all other statuses, the phase-out begins at $157,500 and phases out at $207,500.

If you are below the threshold amounts, you will be eligible for the full QBI deduction of 20%.  Your self-employment status will help you, since all of your self-employment income qualifies as "pass-through" income for QBI.

If you are in the phase-out range, your QBI percentage is reduced in proportion to the amount you are above the threshold.  (For instance, if you are filing Married Filing Joint, and your income is $75,000 above the threshold, your QBI deduction will be reduced 75%).

If you are above the phase-out range, you will not receive a QBI deduction.

Please see the following FAQ for additional information on this subject:  https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/7019998

1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 5, 2019 4:36:18 PM

Maybe.  In your case, whether or not you will get a QBI deduction will depend on two factors:

  1. Your Filing Status
  2. How much is your AGI

As a CPA, you are considered a Specialty Services Trade Business (SSTB).  For those who are in those fields, QBI is phased-out once the thresholds are reached until the amount of QBI deduction is zero.

If you are filing Married Filing Joint or Qualifying Widow/Widower, the threshold begins at 315,000 of AGI, and is completely phased out at $415,000.  For all other statuses, the phase-out begins at $157,500 and phases out at $207,500.

If you are below the threshold amounts, you will be eligible for the full QBI deduction of 20%.  Your self-employment status will help you, since all of your self-employment income qualifies as "pass-through" income for QBI.

If you are in the phase-out range, your QBI percentage is reduced in proportion to the amount you are above the threshold.  (For instance, if you are filing Married Filing Joint, and your income is $75,000 above the threshold, your QBI deduction will be reduced 75%).

If you are above the phase-out range, you will not receive a QBI deduction.

Please see the following FAQ for additional information on this subject:  https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/7019998