Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis welcomed Frank Bisignano, Chief Executive Officer of the Internal Revenue Service and Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, to Brooklyn on April 9 as they discussed recent tax relief measures for working families and seniors. The two officials toured the Bensonhurst Social Security Office, where they also reviewed ongoing improvements to customer service and expanded access to appointments.
The topic is timely as Tax Day approaches, with millions of Americans filing their returns. Recent data from the IRS shows that more than 80% of refunds were issued in less than three weeks this year, with average refunds rising over 10 percent to $3,571. Total refunds have surpassed $202 billion so far.
During their visit, Malliotakis highlighted provisions from the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation. She said: “This tax season, millions of working Americans and middle-class families, including those here in Brooklyn, are already seeing the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts as they file their taxes with the average refund up by more than 10%. From no tax on Social Security for our seniors, to no tax on most tips and overtime… we remain focused on delivering for the American people and putting more money back in their pockets, not Uncle Sam’s.”
Bisignano said: “45% of the returns that come in have benefited from one of deductions… It’s my honor to say the great job being done here by Congresswoman Malliotakis… Great leadership at the top, superior execution within the agencies and a very satisfied set of American taxpayers and Social Security recipients.”
Key changes include an increased State and Local Tax deduction now capped at $40,000 for most households earning under $500,000; a new bonus deduction eliminating federal taxes on Social Security benefits for many seniors; higher standard deductions; exemptions for tip income up to $25,000 annually; exemptions for overtime pay up to $12,500 per individual or $25,000 per couple; an increased Child Tax Credit; newborn baby savings accounts called Trump Accounts; expanded education savings options; and new vehicle loan interest deductions tied to American-made cars.
Malliotakis has represented New York’s 11th Congressional District since replacing Max Rose in 2021 according to her biography. She previously served in the New York State Assembly from 2011 until her election to Congress as reported by Ballotpedia. Born in New York City in 1980 at age 42 she currently lives in Staten Island according to official records. Malliotakis graduated from Seton Hall University with a bachelor’s degree before attending Wagner College according to her official website.
In March she wrote about these changes’ local impact for working families and seniors.
