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Level 1
February 10, 2026
Question

How can I get the second Enhanced Deduction for Seniors added?

  • February 10, 2026
  • 12 replies
  • 116 views
I am filing joint with wife. Why is the second Enhanced Deduction for Seniors not being added?

12 replies

Level 15
February 10, 2026

 

The “senior deduction” is added automatically by the software based on the date of birth and filing status you entered into MY INFO.  You do not need to take any extra steps to enter it. (And…the new senior deduction has nothing to do with whether you are getting Social Security)

 

The deduction is not on the same line as your standard deduction.  It is shown separately.

 

 

2025 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

SINGLE $15,750  (65 or older/legally blind + $2000)

MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $15,750  (65 or older/legally blind +1600)

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $31,500  (65 or older/legally blind + $1600)

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $23,625 (65 or older/legally blind + $2000)

 

 

For 2025 through 2028 there is an extra  deduction amount of up to $6000 per individual 65 or older filing Single, MFJ, or HOH which is phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers.

 

(The deduction phases out completely at $175.000 Single or HOH, or $250,000 joint)

 

The $6,000 senior deduction will be calculated on 1040 Schedule 1-A page 2 Part V Enhanced Deduction for Seniors which goes to 1040 line 13b. It is separate and in addition to the Standard Deduction or your Itemized Deductions on 1040 line 12e.  Turbo Tax automatically includes it.

IRS Schedule 1-A
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/f1040s1a--dft.pdf

 

Need to see it?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/preview-turbotax-online-return-filing/L77WCkvnu_US_en_US?uid=m681fkhr

 

If you are not getting the senior deduction it is because

Your date of birth in MY INFO shows that you were not 65 by the end of 2025

Your income is too high

You are filing married filing separately

 

 

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
VolvoGirl
Level 15
February 10, 2026

What do you mean "second Enhanced Deduction...."?  On a Joint return if both spouses are 65 or older you automatically get 6,000 for each person.  So that would be 12,000 on 1040 line 13b.   It is automatic depending on your  birthdate.   Or if you have a high income it will be reduced.   Double check you are filing Joint and check the birthdates.  

 

For Joint the deductions starts to phase out at 150,000 and maxes out at 250,000

Level 2
February 28, 2026

I'm having similar question. Assume MAGI of $200k. MFJ phase out starts at $150k. Line 33 is $50k Line 34 x by 6% = $3,000. Line 35 runs math as $6,000 - $3,000 = $3,000. Line 36a & 36b both show $3,000, line 37 totals as $6,000.  

Since we are filing jointly; shouldn't Line 35 run math as $12,000 - $3,000 = $9,000 or $4,500 for each? 

Someone please explain this.

Mike9241
Level 15
Level 15
February 28, 2026

nope. you supplied your own answer . Line 36a & 36b both show $3,000, line 37 totals as $6,000.

at $200,000 MAGI you lose 1/2 of the maximum deduction of $12,000. at $250,000 or above you lose it all

 

example copied from actual form

31 Enter the amount from line 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31                                                      $150,000
32 Enter $75,000 ($150,000 if married filing jointly) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32                                 150,000
33 Subtract line 32 from line 31. If zero or less, enter $6,000 on line 35 . . . . . . . . . . . 33                   0
34 Multiply line 33 by 6% (0.06) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
35 Subtract line 34 from $6,000. If zero or less, enter -0- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35                           $6,000
36 a If you have a valid social security number (see instructions) and were born before January 2, 1961,
enter the amount from line 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36a                                                        $6,000
b If you are married filing jointly, your spouse has a valid social security number (see instructions), and
your spouse was born before January 2, 1961, enter the amount from line 35 . . . . . . . . 36b  $6,000
37 Enhanced deduction for seniors. Add lines 36a and 36b .                                                        $12.000  

Mike9241