Temporary Additional Elderly Deduction
OBBBA 2025 added an additional deduction for seniors. This provision is in lieu of modifying or eliminating the tax on Social Security benefits that was discussed during the 2024 Presidential campaign. It does not require the taxpayer to have received Social Security income to claim this deduction.
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Qualifying Age: 65 or older.
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Amount: $6,000 per eligible filer (thus $12,000 MFJ if both qualify)
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Social Security Number Requirement: This deduction is not allowed unless the qualified individual includes their Social Security Number (and the SSN of their spouse if married) on the tax return.
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MAGI limitation: Only applies to seniors with a modified adjusted gross income that does not exceed $75,000 for single filers ($150,000 for married filing jointly). If these amounts are exceeded, the deduction is reduced, but not below zero, by 6% of the amount over $75,000 or $150,000. MAGI is the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income increased by amounts excluded under IRC Sections 911, 931, or 933.
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Where Deducted: Above the line, thus available to both itemizers and non-itemizers.
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Applicable Tax Years: 2025 through 2028.