What Does Trump’s New Budget Mean For Construction Contractors In 2025?

Contractors across the United States are reacting positively to President Trump’s newly signed $3.4 trillion federal budget. The legislation, approved on July 4, 2025, reinstates some long-awaited tax relief, stabilizes key deductions, and provides incentives that construction companies believe will allow them to confidently invest in their operations and workforce. However, while much of the budget benefits the construction industry, there are a few disappointments hidden in the fine print.

Full bonus depreciation is back

One of the most significant benefits for contractors is the permanent reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation on new and used equipment. This provision has been gradually phased out over the last few years, with the goal of reducing it to 40% by 2025 and completely eliminating it by 2027. The full deduction is now back in play, providing a significant incentive for businesses looking to upgrade machinery, trucks, and technology such as construction software or drone systems. It gives equipment-intensive contractors, particularly those in the grading and earthmoving industries, a compelling reason to invest rather than postpone purchases.

In addition, the Section 179 expensing thresholds have been increased significantly. The cap has risen to $2.5 million, with phaseouts beginning at $4 million. This is double the previous cap and provides small to mid-sized contractors with far more tax flexibility in how they manage their asset purchases.

Protecting small businesses from sharp tax increases

Small and medium-sized contractors were increasingly concerned about the looming 20% tax increase in 2026. That increase would have eliminated key deductions enacted by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Fortunately, the new budget mitigates this increase by extending the 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction. This is a huge relief for pass-through businesses, such as LLCs and S-corps, because it lowers taxable income and allows companies to reinvest in hiring, training, or equipment.

A permanent increase in the estate-tax exemption provides another boost to family-owned contractors. The new exemption, set at $15 million and indexed to inflation, provides peace of mind for business succession planning, which is critical for many long-standing construction firms.

Worker-Friendly benefits have a real impact

In addition to business benefits, the budget includes some employee-friendly features that indirectly benefit contractors. The most notable change is that federal income taxes will no longer apply to overtime pay. That’s a significant shift for the blue-collar workforce, particularly those who frequently work long hours on infrastructure or housing projects. This move may also make it easier for employers to offer overtime without exceeding their labor budget.

Education incentives are also receiving a modern upgrade. Technical training and skilled trades education are now covered by 529 savings accounts, potentially alleviating the industry’s ongoing labor shortage. And, with Pell Grants now expanded to include short-term workforce programs, more young workers may be able to enter the trades, which is good for the industry’s long-term sustainability.

Infrastructure funding continues to be a revenue concern

However, not all of the contractor community’s expectations were reflected in the final bill. Many people advocated for new annual user fees on electric and hybrid vehicles to help the Highway Trust Fund, which relies on fuel taxes. Although the proposal gained traction in the House, it did not make it through Senate review. With used construction machinery and EVs on the rise and fuel-tax revenue declining, the lack of a replacement revenue stream raises serious concerns about future road and bridge funding.

Industry groups, such as the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, remain optimistic that this issue will be brought back to the legislative table soon, particularly given Republican support. However, it is currently a missed opportunity.

Clean-energy construction incentives are taking a step back

While most construction companies received tax breaks, clean-energy contractors saw the wind taken out of their sails. The budget phased out a long list of tax breaks and funding for green projects. This includes the elimination of incentives for solar and wind energy construction, as well as tax breaks for upgrading plants that manufacture renewable components such as batteries or solar panels.

Furthermore, credits for building retrofits and energy-efficient upgrades are being eliminated. And, if you’re a contractor working in commercial or multifamily real estate, the new rules permanently limit your ability to claim excess business losses in one year. Losses must now be spread across several years, altering the cash flow dynamics for large, long-term projects.

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