Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) have introduced the Permanent Tax Relief for Seniors Act, legislation that would make permanent the historic $6,000 Social Security tax deduction for seniors established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. The deduction – which provides up to $6,000 in tax relief for individuals over the age of 65 and $12,000 for married couples filing jointly – was signed into law in 2025, but is currently set to expire in 2028. This legislation eliminates the sunset provision and ensures that seniors can rely on this tax relief for years to come.
“As I travel throughout my district and speak with seniors, I hear firsthand how much they appreciate the new $6,000 tax deduction that was recently signed into law. It represents meaningful progress and real relief,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “However, many retirees living on fixed incomes continue to struggle to make ends meet, and we must do more. Social Security is not a government handout – it is a benefit earned through decades of hard work and payroll contributions. Seniors planned their retirements around these benefits, and they deserve to receive every dollar they were promised. Fully eliminating the federal tax on Social Security would strengthen financial stability for retirees, simplify the filing process, and provide lasting peace of mind to millions of older Americans. Our seniors have spent a lifetime contributing to our communities and strengthening our nation. They have earned these benefits, and they should be able to keep them in full. While I’m still pursuing legislation to achieve this goal, the Permanent Tax Relief for Seniors Act will make sure they keep this new $6,000 deduction.”
“After a lifetime of hard work, Iowa seniors deserve real peace of mind – not more tax season headaches,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “This deduction was a game-changer for older Americans living on fixed incomes. Our bill ensures those savings don’t expire, because seniors have earned the right to keep more of what they worked their whole lives for.”
The Permanent Tax Relief for Seniors Act builds on the success of the original tax relief by providing certainty and long-term stability for retirees who depend on Social Security benefits as a primary source of income.
Background:
- The Permanent Tax Relief for Seniors Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the expiration date on the seniors deduction.
- The $6,000 individual and $12,000 joint deduction, when combined with the standard deduction and existing seniors tax credit, effectively eliminates federal taxes on Social Security benefits for the vast majority of older Americans.
- More than 88% of Social Security recipients will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits due to this provision.
- The measure provides meaningful financial breathing room, particularly for the 38% of seniors who remain in the workforce or are seeking employment because they cannot yet afford full retirement.
By permanently securing this tax relief, the legislation honors the promise made to America’s seniors – ensuring they can retire with dignity, stability, and the full benefit of what they have earned.