Enhanced Senior Deduction 2026
Taxpayers age 65 or older can claim a bonus deduction of up to $6,000 per person — on top of the standard deduction.
What the senior deduction means in plain English
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act adds a temporary enhanced deduction for older taxpayers for tax years 2025 through 2028. If you are 65 or older by the end of the tax year, you can deduct an additional $6,000 ($12,000 for a married couple where both spouses qualify), on top of the regular standard deduction and the existing age-65 add-on.
This bonus deduction is claimed on Schedule 1-A and reduces taxable income whether you itemize or take the standard deduction. It is aimed at giving middle-income retirees relief on income such as Social Security, pensions, and modest retirement withdrawals.
The deduction phases out for higher earners. It begins to shrink once modified adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married filing jointly), reduced by 6% of the income above that threshold, and disappears entirely well into six-figure incomes.
Estimate your senior deduction
Who qualifies
- You (or your spouse) are age 65 or older as of December 31 of the tax year.
- Your modified adjusted gross income is below the phase-out ceiling for your filing status.
- You have a valid Social Security number.
- Married taxpayers generally must file jointly to claim the deduction for both spouses.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming it replaces the existing extra standard deduction for those 65+ — this bonus is in addition to it.
- Forgetting the 6%-of-excess MAGI phase-out, which can fully eliminate the deduction for higher earners.
- Claiming $12,000 when only one spouse is 65 or older — each qualifying spouse counts for $6,000.
- Overlooking that the deduction is temporary and currently scheduled only through tax year 2028.
Senior Deduction FAQs
How much is the OBBBA senior deduction for 2026?
Taxpayers 65 or older can deduct an additional $6,000 per qualifying person — up to $12,000 for a married couple where both spouses are 65+. It is claimed on Schedule 1-A in addition to the standard deduction and the existing age-65 add-on. The deduction phases out above $75,000 MAGI (single) / $150,000 (MFJ). Verify with IRS instructions.
Does the senior deduction replace the existing extra standard deduction?
No. The OBBBA bonus deduction is on top of the regular standard deduction and the additional standard deduction that taxpayers 65 and older already receive. They stack together.
How does the income phase-out work?
The deduction is reduced by 6% of every dollar of modified adjusted gross income above $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married filing jointly). For example, a single filer with $90,000 MAGI is $15,000 over the threshold; 6% of $15,000 is $900, so the $6,000 deduction is reduced to $5,100. Verify exact phase-out figures with IRS instructions.
Is the senior deduction permanent?
No. As enacted, the enhanced senior deduction applies to tax years 2025 through 2028 and is scheduled to expire after that unless extended by Congress.
IRS sources & verification
Last verified June 13, 2026.