The $6,000 deduction for seniors: who gets it and for how long

People aged 65 and older can claim an extra $6,000 deduction on their federal tax return. It is new, it is temporary, and it sits on top of the extra standard deduction that people 65 and older already had. The IRS calls it the enhanced deduction for seniors.

Who gets it

Individuals aged 65 and older. It applies per eligible person, so a married couple gets $12,000 if both spouses qualify.

Which years

2025 through 2028. That covers four tax years, and as the law stands the last return it applies to is the one for 2028.

Where it phases out

The deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers. Below those incomes you get the full amount.

How it stacks with the standard deduction

The IRS describes it as being in addition to the standard deduction for seniors under existing law. For 2027 that means:

• Single, 65 or older: $16,600 standard deduction, plus $2,100 for age, plus $6,000. That is $24,700.
• Married filing jointly, both 65 or older: $33,200, plus $1,700 each for age, plus $12,000. That is $48,600.

Those totals assume income at or below the phase-out point. The standard deduction calculator works it out for your filing status and for 2026 as well.

What it is not

It is a deduction, not a credit. It lowers the income you are taxed on. It does not come off your tax bill dollar for dollar, and how much it saves you depends on your tax bracket.