Retired Couples Can Withdraw $46,700 from IRAs Tax-Free in 2026, Many Miss Out
In 2026, retired couples in the U.S. can withdraw up to $46,700 from their traditional IRAs without incurring federal income tax. This opportunity arises from a combination of deductions, including the base standard deduction for married couples filing jointly, an additional deduction for those aged 65 or older, and a $6,000 senior bonus deduction per qualifying person. Despite this tax-free withdrawal potential, many retirees do not take full advantage of it. The unused tax-free space does not roll over to subsequent years, meaning it is lost if not utilized. The senior bonus deduction, which contributes significantly to this tax-free amount, is set to expire after 2028.