New $12,000 Tax Break for Kansas Seniors: The Senior Deduction Explained

If you’re 65 or older, a new federal deduction can meaningfully lower your tax bill starting with your 2025 return, and it lasts through 2028. Each eligible senior can deduct $6,000; couples where both spouses are 65+ and file jointly can deduct $12,000. This is in addition to the regular standard deduction and the age‑65 add‑on.

The New Senior Deduction: Simple Facts

Here’s what you get:

• $6,000 deduction if you’re 65 or older
• $12,000 total if you’re married and both of you are 65 or older
• Available for 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 tax years only
• Then it goes away after 2028

To qualify, you must:

• Be 65 or older by December 31st of the tax year.
• Include your Social Security number on your tax return.
• If married, you must file a joint return to get the full benefit.

How Much Money Could You Save?

Examples:

• If you’re in the 12% tax bracket: $6,000 deduction saves you about $720.
• If you’re in the 22% tax bracket: $6,000 deduction saves you about $1,320.
• If you’re married in the 12% bracket: $12,000 deduction saves you about $1,440.
• If you’re married in the 22% bracket: $12,000 deduction saves you about $2,640.

Income Limits: When the Deduction Gets Smaller

For single filers:

• If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is $75,000 or less: You get the full $6,000.
• If your MAGI is over $75,000: The deduction gets smaller.
• For every $1,000 over $75,000, your deduction drops by $60.

For married couples filing jointly:

• If your combined MAGI is $150,000 or less: You get the full $12,000.
• If your MAGI is over $150,000: The deduction gets smaller.
• For every $1,000 over $150,000, your deduction drops by $60.

Important: Social Security Is Still Taxable

Don’t believe everything you hear: Some news reports incorrectly say Social Security benefits are no longer taxable. That’s not true. The rules for taxing Social Security haven’t changed.

However, the senior deduction can help reduce your overall taxable income, which might reduce how much of your Social Security gets taxed.

What You Should Do Now

For 2025 (This Year)

1. Confirm you qualify: Check your age and income levels
2. Keep good records: Track all your income sources
3. Talk to your tax preparer: Make sure they know about this new deduction

Planning for 2026-2028

1. Review retirement withdrawals: The deduction might change your optimal withdrawal strategy
2. Consider charitable giving timing: The interaction with other deductions might affect your giving strategy
3. Plan for 2029: Remember this benefit goes away, so plan accordingly

Why This Matters Now

• This is temporary: You only have four years (2025-2028) to benefit from this deduction.
• It’s significant money: For many seniors, this could be one of the largest tax breaks they’ve seen in years.

Ready to see how much this could save you? Contact us for a straightforward analysis of your specific situation. We’ll calculate your potential savings and help you understand exactly how this works with your retirement income.