Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and various tax deduction, exclusion, exemption, and threshold amounts. Here are a few of the key adjustments for 2025.
Estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax
- The annual gift tax exclusion (and annual generation-skipping transfer tax exclusion) for 2025 is $19,000, up from $18,000 in 2024.
- The gift and estate tax basic exclusion amount (and generation-skipping transfer tax exemption) for 2025 is $13,990,000, up from $13,610,000 in 2024.
Standard deduction
A taxpayer can generally choose to itemize certain deductions or claim a standard deduction on the federal income tax return. In 2025, the standard deduction is:
- $15,000 (up from $14,600 in 2024) for single filers or married individuals filing separate returns
- $30,000 (up from $29,200 in 2024) for married joint filers
- $22,500 (up from $21,900 in 2024) for heads of households
The additional standard deduction amount for the blind and those age 65 or older in 2025 is:
- $2,000 (up from $1,950 in 2024) for single filers and heads of households
- $1,600 (up from $1,550 in 2024) for all other filing statuses
Special rules apply for an individual who can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer.
IRAs
The combined annual limit on contributions to traditional and Roth IRAs is $7,000 in 2025 (the same as in 2024), with individuals age 50 or older able to contribute an additional $1,000. The limit on contributions to a Roth IRA phases out for certain modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) ranges (see table). For individuals who are active participants in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, the deduction for contributions to a traditional IRA also phases out for certain MAGI ranges (see table). The limit on nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA is not subject to phaseout based on MAGI.
Employer-sponsored retirement plans
- Employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans can defer up to $23,500 in compensation in 2025 (up from $23,000 in 2024); employees age 50 or older can defer up to an additional $7,500 in 2025 (the same as in 2024), increased to $11,250 in 2025 for ages 60 to 63.
- Employees participating in a SIMPLE retirement plan can defer up to $16,500 in 2025 (up from $16,000 in 2024), and employees age 50 or older can defer up to an additional $3,500 in 2025 (the same as in 2024), increased to $5,250 in 2025 for ages 60 to 63.
Kiddie tax: child’s unearned income
Under the kiddie tax, a child’s unearned income above $2,700 in 2025 (up from $2,600 in 2024) is taxed using the parents’ tax rates.
Link to Printable PDF: 2025 02 February Newsletter
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
ERB FINANCIAL offers Securities and Investment Advisory Services through Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC,200 Canal View Blvd Rochester NY 14623 585-424-1234
Locally owned and operated since 1953
Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances.
To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.
These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable—we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.
This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the state(s) of NY. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.
Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions Copyright 2025.
