Married couples aged 65+ can withdraw up to $46,700 from traditional IRAs tax-free this year, but most fail to utilize the deduction.
A married couple aged 65 or older can withdraw $46,700 from a traditional IRA in 2026 without owing federal income tax, due to stacked deductions. The figure combines the standard deduction, age-based adjustments, and a temporary senior bonus deduction.
The base standard deduction for married couples filing jointly in 2026 is $32,200, with an additional $6,000 senior bonus per qualifying spouse. This tax-free space expires if unused and does not roll over, yet most retirees delay withdrawals until required minimum distributions at age 73.
The same $46,700 limit applies to tax-free Roth conversions, but the senior bonus deduction sunsets after 2028, increasing urgency for retirees to act.