The New Senior Deduction

There is a temporary deduction for seniors of $6,000 for each qualified individual for tax years 2025 through 2028.

The senior deduction begins to phase out when the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 joint return).  as exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint return). So essentially if you make $100,000 over the threshold, the enhanced deduction for seniors will not apply.

A qualified individual is a taxpayer who has attained age 65 (and in the case of a joint return, the taxpayer’s spouse, if such spouse has attained age 65).

The deduction is reduced by 6% of  the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income

The senior deduction is available to both itemizers and nonitemizers.

If claiming the standard deduction, a married couple who are BOTH seniors would get a $34,700 standard deduction plus $12,000 senior deduction wiping out $46,700 in taxable income:

Regular Standard deduction (SD) : $31,500

Addition S.D.   $1,600 (each senior taxpayer)

Additional SD  $1,600 (senior spouse)

Senior deduction $6,000

Senior deduction $6,000