I'm over 65 — do I qualify for the new $6,000 senior deduction in 2025?

Yes — the One Big Beautiful Bill Act added a brand-new $6,000 deduction for seniors effective for tax years 2025 through 2028. Here's everything you need to know:

Who qualifies:

• You must be age 65 or older on or before December 31 of the tax year (so for 2025, you must turn 65 by December 31, 2025)
• Both single filers and married couples qualify if they meet the age and income requirements
• Both spouses in a married couple can each claim the deduction if both are 65+, for a combined $12,000 deduction

Income phase-out:

• The deduction begins to phase out if your MAGI exceeds $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married filing jointly)
• At higher incomes, the deduction shrinks and eventually phases out entirely

This is in addition to the existing senior standard deduction bump:

• Under existing law, people 65+ already get an extra standard deduction amount ($2,000 single / $1,600 per spouse for 2025)
• The new $6,000 deduction is on top of that, making the total extra benefit for seniors significantly larger in 2025
• Available to both itemizers and non-itemizers

How to claim:

• Use the new Schedule 1-A when filing your 2025 return
• Include your Social Security Number (and your spouse's if applicable)
• Married taxpayers must file jointly to claim the deduction

Practical example:

A single 70-year-old with $60,000 MAGI takes the standard deduction. For 2025, they get the regular $15,000 standard deduction + the existing $2,000 senior bump + the new $6,000 senior deduction = $23,000 in deductions. That's $8,000 more than a non-senior filer in the same bracket.

Note: The deduction is currently scheduled through 2028. Congress will need to extend it for it to continue beyond that.