Big changes are coming for Americans age 65 and older on their 2026 tax returns. The recently enacted “Big, Beautiful Bill” (GOP tax package, July 2025) introduces a major new $6,000 bonus deduction for seniors, available from 2025-2028.
On top of this, the IRS has also announced its annual inflation adjustments for 2026, increasing both the regular standard deduction and the extra standard deduction for seniors.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the 2026 tax deductions and what they mean for retirees.
2026 Tax Savings for Seniors: At a Glance
- New $6,000 Bonus: A temporary bonus deduction is available for seniors (age 65+) with incomes up to $75k (single) or $150k (joint) for tax years 2025-2028.
- Extra Senior Deduction: The additional standard deduction for those 65 or older increases to $2,050 (for single filers) and $1,650 (per qualifying married filer).
- Standard Deduction: The regular standard deduction for all taxpayers also rises for 2026 (e.g., to $32,200 for married filing jointly).
New $6,000 Bonus Deduction for Seniors (Tax Years 2025–2028)
The most significant change is the new $6,000 temporary bonus deduction for individuals age 65 and older. This is a standalone deduction added by the new tax legislation.
Key Details:
- Amount: $6,000 per qualifying individual.
- Available: For tax years 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028.
- Income Eligibility: This bonus is available for those with incomes:
- Up to $75,000 for single filers
- Up to $150,000 for joint filers
- Availability: The deduction applies whether you itemize or take the standard deduction. This means even retirees who itemize (for medical expenses, mortgage interest, etc.) can still claim this extra $6,000.
- Important: This bonus adds to, and does not replace, the existing extra standard deduction for being 65 or older.
2026 Extra Standard Deduction for Seniors (Age 65+)
As part of its annual inflation adjustments, the IRS has increased the additional standard deduction for taxpayers who are age 65 or older or blind. This amount is added directly to the regular standard deduction.
2026 Additional Deduction Amounts
- For Single Filers or Heads of Household:
- Age 65 or older OR blind: $2,050 (up from $2,000 in 2025)
- Age 65 or older AND blind: $4,100
- For Married Couples (Filing Jointly or Separately):
- Age 65 or older OR blind: $1,650 per qualifying individual (up from $1,600 in 2025)
- Age 65 or older AND blind: $3,300 per qualifying individual
This means a married couple where both spouses are 65 or older can claim an additional $3,300 ($1,650 x 2) on top of their regular standard deduction.
2026 Standard Deduction Increases for All Taxpayers
Finally, the regular standard deduction, which nearly 90% of all Americans take, is also increasing for 2026 to keep pace with inflation. These new amounts apply to 2026 tax returns, which are filed in early 2027.
2026 Regular Standard Deduction Amounts
- Married Filing Jointly: $32,200 (up $700 from 2025)
- Single: $16,100 (up $350)
- Married Filing Separately: $16,100 (up $350)
- Heads of Household: $24,150 (up $525)
What These 2026 Tax Changes Mean for Retirees
While the annual inflation adjustments are modest, they help protect seniors on fixed incomes from having their tax burdens increase due to inflation.
The new $6,000 bonus deduction, however, could provide significant savings for retirees with moderate incomes. Because it’s available even to those who itemize, it offers new flexibility.
As always, the total impact will depend on your specific financial situation, income sources, and filing status. The IRS is expected to release further guidance on claiming these new deductions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 2026 Senior Tax Deductions
- Q: Can I claim both the $6,000 bonus deduction and the extra standard deduction for seniors?
- A: Yes. The $6,000 bonus is a separate deduction. If you qualify, you can take it in addition to the extra standard deduction (e.g., the $2,050 for a single filer).
- Q: What is the total standard deduction for a single senior in 2026?
- A: A single filer age 65 or older would get the $16,100 (regular deduction) + $2,050 (extra senior deduction) for a total of $18,150. If they also qualify for the new bonus, they could deduct an additional $6,000.
- Q: When do these new 2026 tax deductions take effect?
- A: These figures apply to the 2026 tax year, which is the return you will file in early 2027. The $6,000 bonus deduction is first available for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026).
