You Make the Call - Sept. 4, 2025By: National Association of Tax Professionals
September 4, 2025

Question:

Carlos and Maria live in the U.S. and file taxes using individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITINs). They have a 10-year-old daughter, Isabella, who is ineligible for a Social Security number (SSN). Instead, she has an ITIN. With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) making the child tax credit (CTC) permanent at $2,200 per child, Carlos and Maria want to know: Can they claim the CTC for Isabella if she only has an ITIN?

Answer:

No, they cannot.

No child tax credit may be claimed unless the taxpayer’s return includes the SSN of the qualifying child and the taxpayer (or the SSN of at least one spouse in the case of a joint return).

The act requires that the child have a valid SSN for employment issued before the tax return’s due date (including extensions). Since Isabella only has an ITIN, she does not qualify for CTC. Carlos and Maria may still claim a $500 credit for other dependents (ODC) if they meet the dependency rules.

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Child Tax Credit
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Draft 2026 Form W-2 adds codes for tips, overtime and occupation data By: National Association of Tax Professionals
September 4, 2025

On Aug. 15, 2025, the IRS posted draft versions for next year’s Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, (2026) and Form W-2c, Corrected Wage and Tax Statement, (Rev. Jan. 2026). The 2026 draft signals how reporting will support the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) changes, while the IRS has separately said no changes are coming to 2025 payroll forms. Employers shouldn’t file these drafts; they simply signal that while 2025 stays steady, 2026 brings new reporting details.

What’s new on the draft W-2

  1. New Box 12 codes

    • TA = employer contributions to a “Trump account”
    • TP = total qualified tips
    • TT = total qualified overtime compensation
  2. The draft tells employees that TP and TT amounts will be reported on Schedule 1-A (Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) to claim the related deductions.

    • Schedule 1-A (Form 1040) is a new draft schedule being created post-OBBBA, but the IRS hasn’t yet released a draft or final instructions, so details on how taxpayers will claim these deductions are still pending.
  3. Box 14 split

    • 14a “Other,” and
    • 14b “Treasury tipped occupation code.” Employees will use the occupation code when claiming the tips deduction on Schedule 1-A.
  4. Draft W-2c alignment

    • The draft Form W-2c mirrors the changes in the W-2 fields, including the new Box 14b.

These changes are designed to operationalize OBBBA’s “no tax on tips” and “no tax on overtime” deductions, with more Treasury guidance still pending.

Setting the stage for 2026 reporting

Even though the 2025 Form W-2 remains unchanged, clients will ask about the new deductions during 2025-2026 planning. You can use the 2026 draft to brief employers on what data payroll must be captured next year, while emphasizing they should not implement anything until the IRS finalizes forms and issues the 2026 General Instructions for Forms W-2/W-3. The draft itself reminds employers to rely on the annual instructions for specifics.

Early moves for employers and payroll teams

  • Do not implement based on the drafts. Monitor the IRS draft index for updates and continue to await the final forms, along with the 2026 instructions.

  • Coordinate with payroll providers. Map systems to add Box 12 codes TA, TP, TT and capture Box 14b occupation data for 2026 wages.

  • Plan substitute forms updates. If you issue substitutes, expect to revise W-2c/W-3c layouts based on specifications in Publication 1223, General Rules and Specifications For Substitute Forms W-2c and W-3c.

  • Watch e-file schemas and Social Security Administration (SSA) processes. Final IRS and SSA schemas will drive how these new fields transmit; the draft W-2c confirms 14b’s presence for corrections.

Quick example: tipped restaurant servers with overtime

River City Grill employs servers who regularly report tips and sometimes work overtime.

  • During 2026 payroll setup, the employer and payroll provider add fields for Box 12 codes TP and TT, plus a process to capture the Treasury tipped occupation code for Box 14b for each tipped employee.

  • At year-end 2026, a server’s W-2 shows TP for qualified tips, TT for qualified overtime in Box 12, and the occupation code in Box 14b. Following final Treasury guidance, the employee then uses Schedule 1-A (Form 1040) to claim deductions.

  • For 2025 returns, the servers may be eligible to claim OBBBA deductions for tips and overtime, but they’ll do so using the current Form W-2 and reporting methods. The redesigned W-2 will apply starting with 2026 wages.

Talking points for client conversations

  • The IRS has posted W-2 and W-2c drafts for 2026 to prepare the pipeline; these drafts should not be filed.

  • New Box 12 codes and Box 14b fields will help employees claim OBBBA deductions on a new Form 1040 Schedule 1-A, starting with 2026 forms.

  • 2025 payroll reporting stays the same; expect changes in 2026 after final instructions are released.

Ready to stay ahead of payroll and W-2 changes?

NATP members get what they need to move fast, including weekly industry updates, deep-dive education with included CPE, local chapter connections and national advocacy that amplifies the voice of 23,000+ tax pros.

Form W-2
Form W-2c
One Big Beautiful Bill
Tax updates
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Why tax professionals can’t miss NATP’s 2025 Tax ForumsBy: National Association of Tax Professionals
September 3, 2025

The NATP Tax Forums 2025 aren’t just another set of tax seminars. They’re where tax professionals come together to sharpen their skills, earn valuable CPE and connect with peers who understand the challenges of running a practice in today’s ever-changing tax environment. Whether you’re preparing for filing season, building your business or seeking the latest IRS updates, NATP’s Tax Forums deliver the tools and insights you need.

Why attend NATP Tax Forums 2025?

Tax professionals know the value of staying ahead. At NATP’s Tax Forums, you’ll:

  • Gain in-depth updates on IRS guidance and tax law changes for the upcoming season
  • Earn up to 16 (CPE) credits to maintain your credentials
  • Network with CPAs, enrolled agents and tax preparers from across the country
  • Access sessions designed to strengthen both technical tax knowledge and practice management skills

This is where knowledge, compliance and community meet.

Key features of the event

When you attend NATP Tax Forums 2025, you’ll benefit from:

  • Education that matters: real-world sessions on tax law, state updates and case studies
  • Interactive learning: live discussions with nationally recognized instructors and industry experts
  • Flexible options: attend the sessions that best fit your practice’s needs

In 2025, NATP’s Tax Forums will be held in multiple cities across the country, including Las Vegas, Orlando, Philadelphia and Dallas, making it easier than ever to attend. Choose the location that fits your schedule and travel budget.

Sessions are designed for maximum flexibility. Whether you want to focus on federal updates, dive into niche topics or expand your practice management toolkit, there are sessions for you.

Register now and make sure your practice is ready for the year ahead.

What you’ll learn

From foundational updates to emerging issues, NATP’s Tax Forums cover the topics that matter most, including:

  • IRS updates for 2025 that include the latest guidance and compliance rules you can’t afford to miss
  • How the OBBBA’s new provisions affect your clients’ 2025 returns, including digital assets, student loans and 1099-Ks
  • Practice management strategies to streamline workflows, manage staff and grow your firm
  • Client-focused problem-solving that includes practical insights that you can apply immediately

Registration details

Seats fill quickly for the 2025 NATP Tax Forums. Register today to secure your spot. NATP members enjoy exclusive benefits, but non-members are welcome too. Don’t wait, this is your chance to get ahead before tax season.

Don’t miss NATP’s 2025 Tax Forums

NATP Tax Forums 2025 are the premier education and networking events for tax professionals nationwide who are looking to get the latest information in the least amount of time while still earning 16 CPE. With timely IRS updates, practical CPE and unmatched opportunities to connect with peers, they’re designed to help you succeed in today’s complex tax environment.

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Tax preparation
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About NATP

Whether you’re a tax professional just starting out in your career or an experienced expert, NATP believes in you and the work you do to help your clients. We take pride in providing you with resources you won’t find anywhere else, and helping you succeed in the ever-growing and changing industry.

As tax laws change, you can rely on NATP for professional advocacy within the government, guidance on how to apply updated federal tax code to your clients’ unique situations and relationships with communities of other tax professionals to help foster your career. Explore NATP.

If you’re a taxpayer looking for an expert to help you with your tax planning and preparation, look to the industry’s top preparers. Choose an NATP member.

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