Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation to Permanently Secure Seniors’ Social Security Tax Deduction
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) introduced the Permanent Tax Relief for Seniors Act, legislation that makes permanent the historic $6,000 Social Security Tax Deduction for seniors established under the Working Families Tax Cuts.
Joining Miller-Meeks in leading this pivotal legislation are Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12).
“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. My bill ensures those savings don’t expire, because seniors have earned the right to keep more of what they worked their whole lives for.”
“As I travel throughout my district and speak with seniors, I hear firsthand how much they appreciate the new $6,000 tax deduction for seniors that was recently signed into law. It represents meaningful progress and real relief,” said Congressman Gus 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.”
The seniors deduction, $6,000 for individuals over 65 and $12,000 for married couples filing jointly, was originally enacted as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts in 2025. However, the deduction is currently set to expire in 2028. Miller-Meeks’ bill eliminates the sunset clause and permanently locks in this tax relief for future years.
Background:
- The Permanent Tax Relief for Seniors Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the expiration date on the seniors deduction.
- This deduction, paired with the standard deduction and existing seniors tax credit, effectively eliminates federal taxes on Social Security benefits for the vast majority of older Americans.
- Over 88% of Social Security recipients will no longer pay taxes on their benefits due to this provision.
- This measure provides real financial breathing room, especially for the 38% of seniors who are still working or looking for work because they couldn’t afford retirement.
Miller-Meeks added, “I’ll always fight to keep retirement secure and affordable for Iowa’s seniors, and I’m proud to lead the charge to make this tax relief permanent.”
Click HERE to read the full bill text.
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