Q. I am confused when i read about the 1600 deduction per person over age 65?
A. It's $1600 additional standard deduction for a married filing jointly(MFJ) person over 65. So, a couple filing MFJ gets a $34,700 standard deduction (31,500 +1600 +1600 = $34,700).
Q. What about the new Senior Deduction of $6,000 for each spouse 65?
A. That is in addition to the $34,700 "standard deduction". A MFJ couple will get a separate $12,000 Plus there is a new Senior Deduction of $6,000 for each spouse 65. The Senior deduction will show on a separate line on form 1040. The Senior Deduction is an "above the line" deduction. You get it whether you itemize deductions or use the standard deduction.
