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Older Americans can expect some significant tax changes in 2026, largely due to provisions in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). One of the biggest changes is a new tax cut that specifically targets senior citizens.
Whether you’re a retired senior or still employed, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the changes and how they may affect your Social Security and retirement planning this year.
Here’s a closer look:
You will get a big deduction…
The main thing to know about the new rules is that individual filers who are at least 65 years old can claim an additional $6,000 tax deduction on their returns in 2026. Married couples filing jointly can claim up to $12,000. This is on top of the standard deduction that already exists.
Here are the details for tax year 2025 (which you will be filing this year), According to a report by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College (CRR).
| filing status | basis standard deduction | General Additional Deduction for Filers 65+ | new bonus cut | Total cut off under OBBBA (65+). |
| alone | $15,750 | $2,000 | $6,000 | $23,750 |
| Married, filing jointly | $31,500 | $3,200 (both 65+) | $12,000 (both 65+) | $46,700 (both 65+) |
For tax year 2026, which is to be filed in 2027, the standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers age 65 and older and $32,000 for those who are married/filing jointly. According to the IRS.
…but the cuts won’t last forever
As previously reported by GOBankingRates, the new tax law began in 2025 and will continue through 2028. To take full advantage before the conversion expires, consider doing a Roth conversion.
“For the next (few) years, taxpayers over age 65 can convert $12,000 in pre-tax Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to tax-free Roth IRAs at zero cost,” said Kelly Gilbert. EFG Financial. “If you convert just $12,000 each year, that will leave $48,000 in Roth IRA tax-free.”
Those with higher incomes should not plan for cuts
Another important thing to remember about the deduction is that it does not apply to all senior citizens. Your income will play a big role in whether this applies to you.
As CRR noted, the deduction has begun to be phased out for single taxpayers with annual income over $75,000 and married taxpayers with annual income over $150,000. The phaseout is $60 for every $1,000 over the limit. It is phased out completely at $175,000 for single filers and $250,000 for joint filers.
Social Security remains taxable
One thing OBBBA did not do was eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits. According to a blog from Define FinancialA San Diego-based fiduciary registered investment advisor (RIA) specializing in retirement, tax, and investment planning for people over 50.
Instead, the IRS will continue to use the same formula it has used for 40 years to determine how much of your Social Security income is taxable. Depending on your income, anywhere from 0% to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. The income limits have not been adjusted for inflation over the years.
You should get a big refund in 2026
Although the new tax provision does not “explicitly” eliminate taxes on Social Security, it will still reduce taxes for many taxpayers age 65 and older, according to the CRR.
If you paid estimated taxes all year, or had taxes withheld on your income, you “may get a bigger refund” (or owe less) in 2026.
