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Seniors May Be Eligible for a New Deduction
For 2025 through 2028, individuals age 65 and older may be able to claim a new senior deduction of up to $6,000, subject to income-based phaseouts. This deduction is available whether or not the taxpayer itemizes. It begins to phase out when modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples filing jointly).
Does this new deduction replace the existing extra standard deduction for those age 65 and up? No. For 2025, single qualifying seniors can take the additional $2,000 standard deduction. Married couples who file jointly can take an extra standard deduction of $1,600 per qualifying spouse. Contact the office with questions.
Separated or Divorced? Know Your Tax Obligations
If a couple gets separated or divorced, it affects tax obligations. The IRS considers couples married for tax purposes until a final decree is issued. After separating or divorcing, update your Form W-4 with your employer and check withholding using the IRS estimator.
Generally, alimony payments and child support payments aren’t deductible by the paying spouse or included in the taxable income of the recipient spouse. (Tax treatment of alimony payments is different if they’re being made under agreements entered into on or before December 31, 2018.) Property transfers due to divorce typically aren’t taxed but may require a gift tax return. Also, be aware that only one parent can claim a child as a dependent.
An Employee Benefit That Also Saves Tax for Your Business Just Got Better
Employers seeking to offer low-cost, family-friendly benefits may want to consider flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for dependent care. These FSAs let employees make pre-tax contributions through payroll withholding to help cover eligible expenses. Thanks to the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the annual contribution limit, currently $5,000, will rise to $7,500 in 2026.
Employee’s FSA contributions reduce their income and payroll taxes and their employers’ payroll tax. Withdrawals used to pay qualified expenses are tax-free. These include expenses for care for a child under age 13 or another dependent unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental limitations.
