Americans age 65 and older may qualify for an additional federal income-tax deduction that could help lower taxable income.

For tax years 2025 through 2028, eligible individuals age 65 or older can claim an additional deduction of up to $6,000 per qualifying person. When a married couple files jointly and both spouses qualify, the deduction can reach $12,000. This benefit is in addition to the existing standard-deduction rules for seniors.

The deduction is available to eligible taxpayers whether they take the standard deduction or itemize. To qualify, the taxpayer must generally be age 65 or older by the last day of the tax year and meet other IRS requirements.

Income also matters. The deduction begins phasing out when modified adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 for an individual or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. This means the amount available can vary depending on a household’s income.

Seniors should keep Social Security documents, pension statements, retirement-account records, interest statements, and other income documents organized before preparing a return. Couples should also confirm their filing status and eligibility before claiming the deduction.

Understanding newer deductions can help older Americans avoid overlooking tax benefits that may apply to them.