199A SSTB 2027 Phaseout Calculator
Estimate the Specified Service Trade or Business (SSTB) phaseout of your Section 199A deduction for 2027.
What Counts as a Specified Service Trade or Business
SSTBs include: health, law, accounting, actuarial science, performing arts, consulting, athletics, financial services, brokerage services, investment management, and any trade where the principal asset is the reputation or skill of one or more employees. Engineering and architecture are explicitly EXCLUDED from SSTB status. Source: IRC §199A(d)(2). Last updated: May 2026.
2027 SSTB Phaseout Mechanics
For 2027, SSTB owners get the FULL 20% deduction below taxable income of $241,950 single / $483,900 MFJ. The deduction phases out completely over the next $75,000 (single) / $50,000 (MFJ) — meaning total elimination at approximately $316,950 single / $533,900 MFJ. Above the upper threshold, SSTB owners get ZERO Section 199A deduction.
Why the Phaseout Exists
Congress designed Section 199A to favor businesses that create jobs and invest in property — not high-income professionals who primarily monetize their personal skill. The SSTB phaseout is the mechanism to exclude these professions at high income levels. Engineers and architects were carved out due to lobbying.
SSTB Mitigation Strategies
(1) Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions (Solo 401(k), Cash Balance Plan) to drop taxable income below the threshold. (2) Defined Benefit plans can shelter $200K+/year for 50+ professionals. (3) Charitable bunching via Donor-Advised Funds in high-income years. (4) Spouse income shifting where legitimate. (5) Cost segregation on owned real estate to generate paper losses.