Seniors get a new tax deduction of up to $6,000 for the 2025 filing season
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It’s tax time is fast approaching and several tax policy changes affecting older Americans will go into effect when seniors file their returns.
The passage of the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) last year overhauled many tax policies, including other provisions The IRS is getting started for the 2025 tax year, when Americans will begin filing their tax returns starting Jan. 26.
Among the new tax provisions that will affect seniors is a bonus deduction for seniors 65 and older that can be claimed in addition to the standard deduction.
“In addition to the existing standard deduction, filers age 65 and older can get a new bonus deduction of up to $6,000 for individuals and $12,000 for married couples,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer. “This deduction is targeted at low-income and low-income retirees and will help tens of millions save more of their income.”
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Americans age 65 and older will be eligible for an additional deduction beginning in the 2025 tax year, depending on their income level. (Michael Bocchieri/Getty Images)
“With ongoing concerns about the cost of living and kitchen table budget issues, this type of relief can make a big difference for people trying to make ends meet,” LeaMond said.
I extra money for seniors Exemption categories for taxpayers with adjusted gross income (MAGI) over $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers.
For seniors with income above those limits, the tax breaks phase out and reduce the deduction by 6 cents for every dollar of that amount.
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President Donald Trump signed the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill into law on July 4, 2025. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
AARP gave an example of a single 70-year-old with a MAGI of $80,000 — which is $5,000 above the threshold of $75,000 — who would see their deductions reduced by $300 to $5,700 in total.
The new, expanded deduction for seniors is phased out entirely for taxpayers with MAGI of $175,000 or more as an individual or $250,000 or more for joint filers.
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The additional deduction for seniors is scheduled to expire after the 2028 tax year. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Senior citizens can claim the new, additional deduction whether they file their tax returns or claim it standard deduction.
While i Another Big Beautiful Bill Acts The additional deduction for seniors will go into effect this year, is not a permanent provision of the tax code and, under current law, is scheduled to expire after the 2028 tax year.
Congress could act to extend the policy beyond that year, though it’s not clear yet whether lawmakers intend to do so.
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As with other new tax provisions in OBBBA, lawmakers made the additional deduction for seniors temporary to help the bill pass Reconciliation laws of Congress that limits how much legislation can increase the budget deficit.
Reconciliation allows bills to pass the Senate without falling below the filibuster threshold of 60 votes, with the role requiring only a simple majority.
