Small Businesses in Ohio Celebrate 2025 Tax Cuts

New legislation provides thousands in savings for local companies and their employees

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:03pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of tax forms, a pen, and a calculator on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the abstract concepts of corporate finance and tax strategy.The new 2025 tax cuts are providing a much-needed financial boost for small businesses, allowing them to reinvest and support their local communities.Today in Dayton

Small businesses across Ohio, including in the Dayton area, are benefiting from tax cuts passed in 2025 legislation. The cuts have opened up new deductions and opportunities, allowing companies to keep thousands more in their pockets. While some businesses have seen a significant boost, others say the impact has been more modest. The Small Business Administration is hosting an upcoming event to connect small firms with government buyers.

Why it matters

The 2025 tax cuts represent a major policy shift aimed at supporting small businesses, which are the backbone of many local economies. The changes have the potential to spur investment, hiring, and growth for Ohio's small firms, though the actual impact may vary depending on the specific business.

The details

The 2025 tax legislation included the continuation of the 20% small business deduction, as well as no taxes on tips and overtime pay. This has resulted in an average of $7,000 more for businesses and $3,500 in returns. One restaurant owner said the changes have given employees more disposable income, with one employee now able to buy their first car. However, a couple running a Moraine business said the impact has been negligible for them, and they would owe more if not for tax credits from their children.

  • Tax season just ended in 2026.
  • The 2025 tax cuts legislation was passed the previous year.

The players

Everett Woodel

The regional administrator for the Great Lakes region of the Small Business Administration.

Bob Hochwalt

The owner of Mort's East restaurant in Kettering, Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“There are some things like the 20 percent small business deduction that allows them to deduct up to 20 percent of their business income.”

— Everett Woodel, Regional Administrator, Small Business Administration

“There's much more disposable income, and I've heard that from our employees as well. I've asked around, and it seems to be pretty consistent that it's giving a big boost.”

— Bob Hochwalt, Owner, Mort's East

What’s next

The Small Business Administration is hosting the Ohio Business Matchmaker event from April 22-23 at the Wright State University Nutter Center, where small businesses can connect with government buyers. The registration deadline is April 17.

The takeaway

The 2025 tax cuts have provided a much-needed boost for many small businesses in Ohio, allowing them to keep more of their earnings and provide better compensation for employees. However, the impact has varied, highlighting the diverse needs and challenges facing the small business community. Events like the Ohio Business Matchmaker can help connect these firms with new opportunities to grow and thrive.