Why didn't I get the senior citizen credit?

[kad4285]

Why?

[SabrinaD2]

Here are some key points that might explain why you didn't receive the senior citizen credit: 

1. You must be at least 65 years old by the end of the tax year. 
2. If you are under 65, you must be permanently and totally disabled before retirement.
3. The IRS sets income limits each year. If your income exceeds these limits, you cannot claim the credit. See income limit tables,
4. If you are married and filing separately but lived with your spouse at any time during the year, you do not qualify for the credit.

Do you have any specific details about your situation that might help us pinpoint the issue?

See additional information here.

[Hal_Al]

There is a credit for the elderly or disabled (you don't have to be both). But because it has not been adjusted for inflation since 1983, very very few people qualify. If you qualify, TurboTax (TT) will automatically calculate it. It goes on Schedule 3, line 6d. It is not a refundable credit. That is, you must have a tax liability to offset to get the credit. Very few people, with that little income have an actual tax to offset. 

 Having any social security income at all works against you. Essentially your potential credit is reduced by any tax you "shoulda paid” on the untaxed Social security income. If you have more than $5000 social security ($7500 Married Filing Jointly and both are elderly or disabled) or VA benefits you will not qualify for the credit.

If you think you qualify, and TT missed it, In TurboTax (TT), enter at:

Federal Taxes Tab

Deductions & Credits

-Scroll down to:

--Other deductions & Credits

  -Elderly or Disabled credit

See schedule R for detailed calculations. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040sr.pdf

A simplified  rule of thumb is:  if you have earned a  social security benefit, including SSDI, you won't qualify for the Credit for the Elderly and Disabled.