Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) are introducing legislation to codify the $6,000 Social Security tax deduction.
For additional context, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which was signed into law last year, allows seniors on Social Security to claim a $6,000 tax deduction ($12,000 if filing jointly). However, the provision is expected to sunset in 2028.
In response to the concern, Reps. Bilirakis and Luna are seeking to keep that deduction permanent.
"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," Rep. Bilirakis said in a press release, adding that the new law "represents meaningful progress and real relief."
The Florida congressman stated that "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."
He further emphasized that "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," he concluded.
Bilirakis previously vowed to work on ensuring that Social Security income is tax-free in a recent op-ed for The Floridian, calling the tax deduction" commonsense reform" and "a step in the right direction, but it is only part of the solution."
