While there had been discussion of eliminating tax on Social Security, a compromise in Congress was to provide individuals over age 65 with a $6,000 Senior Deduction added to the standard deduction. This added deduction is available for 2025 through 2028. The $6,000 Senior Deduction phases out at a rate of 6% of the excess amount for single taxpayers with incomes over $75,000 and married couples filing jointly with incomes over $150,000. The deduction is fully phased out for single taxpayers with incomes over $175,000 and married couples filing jointly with incomes over $250,000.

The effect of this $6,000 deduction will reduce taxes for many taxpayers. Here are some scenarios to consider:

Susan/Single. Susan is age 78, has Social Security of $28,000 and other income for a total of $34,000. A single senior has a 2025 standard deduction of $15,750, an existing $2,000 deduction for those 65 and over, plus $6,000, for a total of $23,750. Because her combined income is over $25,000, part of her Social Security is tax-free and part is taxable. With her standard deduction, tax-free portion of Social Security and the added $6,000 Senior Deduction, Susan will pay zero federal income tax.

Helen/Single. Helen, age 82, has Social Security of $36,000, a large IRA payout and other income for a total of $100,000. A senior filing as a single taxpayer has a 2025 standard deduction of $15,750, as well as the existing $2,000 additional deduction and the new Senior Deduction. However, Helen’s Senior Deduction is reduced because she has over $75,000 in income. Her Senior Deduction is reduced to $4,500, for a total of $22,250. Because her income is over $34,000, a larger portion of her Social Security is taxable. While her $4,500 Senior Deduction saves some tax, Helen is likely to pay over $5,000 in income tax.

Jim and Kate/Married. Jim is age 80 and Kate is age 78. They receive Social Security of $44,000 and other income for a total of $75,000. A married couple filing a joint tax return can claim a 2025 standard deduction of $31,500, the existing senior deduction of $3,200, plus the new Senior Deduction of $12,000, for a total of $46,700. Because their income is over $32,000, part of the Social Security is tax-free and part is taxable. With their standard deduction, tax-free portion of Social Security and the added $12,000 Senior Deduction, Jim and Kate will pay zero federal income tax.

Joe and Alice/Married. Joe is age 84 and Alice is age 79. They receive Social Security of $64,000, a pension, two large IRA payouts and investment income for a total of $200,000. A married couple filing a joint tax return benefits from a 2025 standard deduction of $31,500 plus a Senior Deduction. Because their income is over $150,000, the $12,000 Senior Deduction is reduced to $6,000. The standard deduction, existing $3,200 deduction, plus the Senior Deduction equals $40,700. Because their income is over $32,000, part of the Social Security is tax-free and part is taxable. With their standard deduction, tax-free portion of Social Security and the added $6,000 Senior Deduction, Joe and Alice are likely to pay over $11,000 in income tax.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified tax professional or advisor for advice specific to their personal financial situation.