The "Over 65" Standard Deduction: Your 2026 Tax Season Guide

If you are dreading tax season this year, we have some good news: being over 65 comes with a significant financial perk in the eyes of the IRS. As we head into the filing season for the 2025 tax year, seniors are eligible for a larger slice of tax-free income than the rest of the population.

Whether you are filing your own taxes or handing a shoebox of receipts to a professional, understanding the “Additional Standard Deduction” is the quickest way to ensure you aren’t overpaying. Here is your guide to the specific numbers for 2026 and a look at the tax form designed exclusively for you.

The “Senior Bonus”: How Much is the Standard Deduction for 2025?

For the tax return you are filing in early 2026 (which covers income earned in 2025), the IRS has adjusted the standard deduction for inflation. But the real benefit kicks in if you were born before January 2, 1961.

The IRS grants an “Additional Standard Deduction” to anyone age 65 or older (or blind) by the end of the tax year. This amount is added on top of the regular standard deduction.

The Numbers Breakdown

Here is exactly how much income you can shield from federal taxes this year if you take the standard deduction:

• Single Filers (65+):
  Base Deduction: $15,000
  Senior Addition: +$2,000
  Total Deduction: $17,000
• Married Filing Jointly (One Spouse 65+):
  Base Deduction: $30,000
  Senior Addition: +$1,600
  Total Deduction: $31,600
• Married Filing Jointly (Both Spouses 65+):
  Base Deduction: $30,000
  Senior Addition: +$3,200 ($1,600 x 2)
  Total Deduction: $33,200

*Note: These amounts are for the 2025 tax year filed in 2026. If you are also legally blind, these additional amounts may be doubled. Always consult the official IRS instructions.

The “Senior Tax Form”: Why You Should Use Form 1040-SR

Many seniors are still unaware that the IRS created a specific tax form just for them. It is called Form 1040-SR (U.S. Tax Return for Seniors).

Functionally, it calculates your taxes exactly the same way as the regular Form 1040. However, it features two major “quality of life” improvements:

1. Larger Print: The font size is significantly larger, making it easier to read without squinting.
2. The “Cheat Sheet”: Unlike the regular form, the 1040-SR includes a helpful Standard Deduction Chart printed right on the form itself. This allows you to instantly verify that you are claiming the correct “Over 65” amount without flipping through pages of instructions.

If you use tax software (like TurboTax or H&R Block), the program should automatically generate a 1040-SR for you if you enter your birth date correctly. If you file by paper, you can download and print it directly from the IRS website.

Do I Even Need to File? (The Social Security Question)

This is the most common question searching seniors have in 2026. The general rule is simple: If your gross income is less than your total standard deduction (listed above), you typically do not need to file a federal tax return.

Does Social Security Count as Income?

Generally, no—if it is your only source of income. However, if you have other income (like a part-time job, a pension, or withdrawals from a Traditional IRA), a portion of your Social Security may become taxable.

A quick “napkin math” test is to add one-half of your Social Security benefits to your other income. If that total exceeds $25,000 (for singles) or $32,000 (for couples), you likely need to file.

Get Free Help: The AARP Tax-Aide Locator

If your situation is a bit more complex—perhaps you sold a house or have new medical expenses—you don’t need to pay hundreds of dollars for a CPA.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program provides in-person tax assistance specifically for anyone 50 and older who can’t afford a tax preparation service. These volunteers are IRS-certified and are often hosted at community centers, libraries, and yes—Senior Centers!

The program runs from February 1 through April 15, 2026.

Find a Tax-Aide Location Near You

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or legal advice. Tax laws are subject to change. Please consult with a qualified tax professional or the IRS for your specific situation.