After an inflation adjustment, the 2023 standard deduction increases to $13,850 for single filers and married couples filing separately and to $20,800 for single heads of household, who are generally unmarried with one or more dependents. For married couples filing jointly, the standard deduction rises to $27,700.
For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately, the standard deduction rises to $13,850 for 2023, up $900, and for heads of households, the standard deduction will be $20,800 for tax year 2023, up $1,400 from the amount for tax year 2022.
There's pending tax legislation in Congress that could provide a retroactive boost for the child tax credit for 2023, which could increase refunds for certain eligible filers. But if taxpayers are prepared to file, they shouldn't wait, according to the IRS.
2023 Tax Brackets and Rates
There are seven federal income tax rates in 2023: 10 percent, 12 percent, 22 percent, 24 percent, 32 percent, 35 percent, and 37 percent. The top marginal income tax rate of 37 percent will hit taxpayers with taxable income.
However, if you are 65 or older and file as a single taxpayer, you get an extra $1,850 deduction for tax year 2023. Married and filing jointly or separately? The extra standard deduction is $1,500 for each person who is qualified. For taxpayers who are both 65-plus and blind, the extra deduction is $3,700.
While you may have heard at some point that Social Security is no longer taxable after 70 or some other age, this isn't the case. In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level.
Extra standard deduction for people over 65
But a single 65-year-old taxpayer will get a $15,700 standard deduction for the 2023 tax year. The extra $1,850 will make it more likely that you'll take the standard deduction on your 2023 return rather than itemize. (The extra standard deduction amount is $1,850 for 2024).
If you are 65 or older and blind, the extra standard deduction is: $3,700 if you are single or filing as head of household. $3,000 per qualifying individual if you are married, filing jointly or separately.
For 2023, the additional standard deduction amounts for taxpayers who are 65 and older or blind are: $1,850 for Single or Head of Household (increase of $100) $1,500 for married taxpayers or Qualifying Surviving Spouse (increase of $100)
You must pay taxes on up to 85% of your Social Security benefits if you file a: Federal tax return as an “individual” and your “combined income” exceeds $25,000. Joint return, and you and your spouse have “combined income” of more than $32,000.
According to early IRS data, the average tax refund will be about 11% smaller in 2023 versus 2022, largely due to the end of pandemic-related tax credits and deductions.
What is the average tax refund for a single person making $40,000? Analysis by Lending Tree reports that the average tax refund for a person making between $25,000 and $49,999 is $2,845.81.
Income: $75k-100k; Average Refund: $3,657. Income: $100k-200k; Average Refund: $4,704.
For 2023, taxpayers may be eligible for a credit of up to $2,000 — and $1,600 of that may be refundable. Legislation in the works would increase the refundable portion of the credit to $1,800.
If you make a claim and don't have a receipt, a bank statement, invoice, or bill may also work as a record. Some items that may fall into this category include vehicle expenses, retirement plan contributions, health insurance premiums, and cell phone expenses.
Substantial income includes wages, earnings from self-employment, interest, dividends, and other taxable income that must be reported on your tax return. Between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your benefits. More than $34,000, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable.
You would not be required to file a tax return. But you might want to file a return, because even though you are not required to pay taxes on your Social Security, you may be able to get a refund of any money withheld from your paycheck for taxes.
Form 1040-SR is available as an optional alternative to using Form 1040 for taxpayers who are age 65 or older. Form 1040-SR uses the same schedules and instructions as Form 1040 does.
“Premiums for all Medicare Parts (A, B, D, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap) are tax-deductible, but there are some rules about who is paying, who is covered, and where the deduction is allowed,” says Mark Seid, CPA, USTCP, instructor at Western CPE.
You may be eligible for a California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) up to $3,529 for tax year 2023 as a working family or individual earning up to $30,950 per year. You must claim the credit on the 2023 FTB 3514 form, California Earned Income Tax Credit, or if you e-file follow your software's instructions.
This means right now, the law doesn't allow for any exemptions based on your age. Whether you're 65 or 95, seniors must pay capital gains tax where it's due.
Itemized deductions, subject to certain dollar limitations, include amounts you paid, during the taxable year, for state and local income or sales taxes, real property taxes, personal property taxes, mortgage interest, disaster losses, gifts to charities, and part of the amount you paid for medical and dental expenses.