What is the standard deduction for a senior?

Asked by: Fausto Kuhlman DVM  |  Last update: August 25, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (50 votes)

For 2024, the additional standard deduction amounts for taxpayers who are 65 and older or blind are: $1,950 for Single or Head of Household (increase of $100) $1,550 for married taxpayers or Qualifying Surviving Spouse (increase of $50)

What is the standard tax deduction for seniors over 65?

For single filers and heads of households age 65 and over, the additional standard deduction will increase slightly — from $1,950 in 2024 (returns you'll file soon in early 2025) to $2,000 in 2025 (returns you'll file in early 2026).

Do seniors over 70 need to do federal tax returns every year?

Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes. People who are 65 or older at the end of 2024 have to file a return for tax year 2024 (which is due in 2025) if their gross income is $16,550 or higher. If you're married filing jointly and both 65 or older, that amount is $32,300.

Do seniors still get an extra tax deduction?

Taxpayers 65 and older qualify for an additional standard deduction, reducing their taxable income. The extra deduction amount differs based on filing status and whether the taxpayer or spouse is blind. The IRS updates the deduction amounts annually for inflation, impacting tax filings.

What is the extra standard deduction for seniors over 65 in 2025?

Taxpayers who are 65 or older can take an additional standard deduction, which is also adjusted for inflation. For tax year 2025, that amount is $2,000 for single filers and $1,600 for others.

What is the standard deduction for 2020 for over 65?

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Is there a federal tax break for seniors?

If you're over 65 or permanently disabled, you may qualify for the elderly or disabled tax credit. This credit reduces the total amount you owe to the IRS and can lead to a refund if it exceeds your tax liability.

Can I deduct my medicare premiums on my taxes?

Yes, Medicare premiums are tax deductible as a medical expense as long as you meet two requirements. First, you must itemize your deductions on your tax return to deduct them from your taxable income. Second, only medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) are deductible.

How much of my Social Security is taxable?

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.

At what age is Social Security no longer taxable?

At what age is Social Security no longer taxable? Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

What is the tax exemption for senior citizens?

Qualifying seniors receive deductions off their tax bills because they are senior citizens. The senior citizen exemption reduces the tax bill by a sum certain each year. The actual deduction is $5,000 times the local tax rate.

Why is there a separate 1040 for seniors?

For those taking the standard deduction, Form 1040-SR includes a chart listing the standard deduction amounts, making it easier to calculate. It also ensures seniors are aware of the increased standard deduction for taxpayers age 65 and older.

At what age do you stop paying income tax?

At What Age Can You Stop Filing Taxes? Taxes aren't determined by age, so you will never age out of paying taxes.

Does Social Security count as income?

You report the taxable portion of your Social Security benefits on line 6b of Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. Your benefits may be taxable if the total of (1) one-half of your benefits, plus (2) all of your other income, including tax-exempt interest, is greater than the base amount for your filing status.

What is the standard deduction for a retired couple?

Add these amounts to the 2024 standard deductions to receive total tax deductions for seniors of $16,550 (single) and $32,300 (married).

Can you deduct health insurance premiums without itemizing?

You may be able to deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums for yourself, your dependents or your spouse as a non-itemized deduction if you are self-employed. Report this amount on line 16 of the IRS Schedule 1 form.

Is social security tax deductible?

You can deduct half of your Social Security tax on IRS Form 1040. The deduction must be taken from your gross income when determining your adjusted gross income. It cannot be an itemized deduction and must not be listed on your Schedule C.

What is the standard deduction for 2024 for over 65?

For 2024, the additional standard deduction amounts for taxpayers who are 65 and older or blind are: $1,950 for Single or Head of Household (increase of $100) $1,550 for married taxpayers or Qualifying Surviving Spouse (increase of $50)

Do seniors over 65 get a higher standard deduction?

Standard deduction for seniors – If you do not itemize your deductions, you can get a higher standard deduction amount if you and/or your spouse are 65 years old or older. You can get an even higher standard deduction amount if either you or your spouse is blind.

What is the new tax return for seniors?

New 1040 form for older adults

The IRS has released a new tax filing form for people 65 and older [PDF, 171KB]. It is an easier-to-read version of the 1040 form. It has bigger print, less shading, and features like a standard deduction chart.

What is senior credit?

A credit for taxpayers: aged 65 or older OR retired on permanent and total disability and received taxable disability income for the tax year; AND. with an adjusted gross income OR the total of nontaxable Social Security, pensions annuities or disability income under specific limits.

When to not take standard deduction?

Certain taxpayers aren't entitled to the standard deduction:
  1. You are a married individual filing as married filing separately whose spouse itemizes deductions.
  2. You are an individual who was a nonresident alien or dual status alien during the year (see below for certain exceptions)

Are Medicare premiums tax deductible?

Yes! Taxpayers have the option of deducting their Medicare premiums from their taxes, but there's a catch: you can only deduct expenses that exceed a certain portion of your income. Make too much, or not spend enough, and you're unable to take advantage of this deduction.

How do I reduce my taxable income?

Individuals can take advantage of various tax-related retirement planning strategies to reduce their taxable income today and post-retirement.
  1. Traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k) ...
  2. Traditional IRA and Roth IRA. ...
  3. Solo 401(k) and SEP-IRA. ...
  4. Bunching Donations. ...
  5. Donate stock or appreciated assets. ...
  6. Qualified Charitable Distributions.