Dear Savvy Senior: Do I have to pay taxes on my Social Security retirement benefits? I heard that President Trump’s big, beautiful bill eliminated that. What can you tell me? – About to Retire

Dear About,

No, the new law, better known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ did not eliminate Social Security taxes.

It did, however, provide a temporary “senior bonus” deduction (starting in 2025 through 2028) of up to $6,000 that will apply to taxpayers, age 65 and older, who earn up to $75,000 for singles or $150,000 for joint filers. If you earn over that amount, the deduction starts phasing out.

Also note that the senior bonus is a deduction, not a refundable credit, so it will not help lower- earning seniors who owe no income taxes.

Who Owes SSA Taxes?

Whether or not you’ll be required

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