11/26/2025
IRS’s new “Deduction for Seniors” lets folks 65 and older claim an extra $6,000 on top of the existing senior standard deduction.
Here’s the simple breakdown to gear up for next year’s filing (2026 for 2025 taxes):
• Who qualifies? Anyone turning 65 by the end of 2025. It’s per person, so a married couple where both are eligible gets $12,000 total.
• How to claim: It’s an above-the-line deduction that stacks with the standard deduction you already get. No separate form. Just report it on your return.
• Income limits: You get the full $6,000 per person until your modified AGI crosses $75,000 (or $150,000 married). After that, it phases out.
Now here’s what most people will miss:
• This is temporary. It only applies for 2025–2028 unless Congress extends it.
• This is on top of the current senior add-on deduction (which is roughly $1,950 per person for 2024).
• If you’re retiring soon, this helps offset the tax hit of Social Security becoming taxable or RMDs kicking in.
• If you’re doing Roth conversions, plan around the phaseout line so you don’t accidentally lose the deduction.
• If both spouses turn 65 in the same year, you get the full $12,000 immediately.
If you’re hitting 65 this year, this isn’t pocket change.
It’s one of the easiest ways to lower your tax bill, so plan your income around it.
