2025 Federal Tax Basics: Quick Reference for Families & Individuals

Written By Bobby Livesay, CPA

Staying current on the 2025 rules helps you plan withholding, quarterly estimates, and year-end moves.

Here are the core figures most clients ask about.

Standard Deduction (2025):

  • Married Filing Jointly / Surviving Spouse: $31,500

  • Head of Household: $23,625

  • Single / Married Filing Separately: $15,750


New for 2025–2028:

an additional $6,000 “senior deduction” per person age 65+ (phases out at higher incomes). This is on top of the normal additional standard deduction for age 65/blind.


Federal Tax Brackets (2025):

The seven rates (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%) remain in place, with inflation-adjusted income ranges.


Child Tax Credit (2025):

  • $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17 in 2025, with up to $1,700 potentially refundable (subject to income phase-outs and other rules).


SALT Deduction Cap for Itemizers (2025):

  • The state and local tax cap increases to $40,000 for 2025 ($20,000 if married filing separately), with a high-income phase-down.


Health Savings Accounts (2025):

  • Contribution limits: $4,300 (self-only) and $8,550 (family); +$1,000 catch-up at age 55+.

  • HDHP minimum deductibles: $1,650 (self-only) / $3,300 (family).

Bobby Livesay, CPA
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