The exact wording of the law actually stipulates a $6,000 tax deduction for individuals aged 65 and older, likely raising the number of seniors who won't pay taxes on Social Security to 88 percent. Currently, 64 percent of seniors already don't pay taxes on Social Security benefits.

President Donald Trump has promoted a new $6,000 senior tax deduction and pledged to protect Social Security, and Commissioner Frank Bisignano has outlined efforts to modernize the system. Analysts have warned about risks of insolvency and unequal benefit distribution,

In tax year 2025, an individual filer over 65 will be able to deduct up to $23,750 from their income tax return.

For seniors across the country, perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of the new bill is the additional deduction for this demographic. Taxpayers who are 65 or older can now claim an additional $6,000 as a tax deduction above their standard deduction, effectively reducing their tax liability.

Seniors can currently claim a standard deduction of $15,000 (or $30,000 for couples), plus an additional senior-specific deduction of $2,000 (or $3,600 for couples).

Until enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, officially P.L. 119-21, the availability of a below-the-line deduction that was not the standard deduction or an itemized deduction was a rare event. It was usually done for a specific policy reason related to the particular deduction.