Retirement tax questions

Why do you think the tax form itself would make a difference?  The Form 1040 and 1040SR are exactly the same with all of the same lines and calculations. The difference between the two tax forms is the size of the print.  If you are 65 or older you automatically get the standard deduction for your age--no matter which form your tax is reported on.  The deduction is only different if you enter enough itemized deductions to exceed your standard deduction.

 

STANDARD DEDUCTION

Many taxpayers are surprised because their itemized deductions are not having the same effect as they did on past tax returns.  The new higher standard deduction and the elimination of certain deductions, as well as the cap on state and local taxes have had a major impact since the new tax laws went into effect beginning with 2018 returns.

 

Your itemized deductions have to be more than your standard deduction before you will see a change in your tax owed or tax refund.  The deductions you enter do not necessarily count “dollar for dollar;” many of them are subject to meeting  tough thresholds—medical expenses, for example, must meet a threshold that is pretty hard to reach.  The software program uses all the IRS rules that apply to the expenses you enter, and it tells you if you have enough to use your itemized deductions or if using the standard deduction is more advantageous for you.  Under the new tax laws, some deductions have been capped—there is a $10,000 limit to the itemized deductions for state, local, property and sales taxes.

 

Your standard deduction lowers your taxable income.  It is not a refund. 

 

2019 Standard Deduction Amounts

 

Single $12,200   (+ $1650 65 or older)

Married Filing Separate  $12,200   (+ $1300 if 65 or older)

Married Filing Jointly $24,400   (+ $1300 for each spouse 65 or older)

Head of Household $18,350  (+ $1650 for 65 or older)

 

Look on line 9 of your 2019 Form 1040 to see your itemized/standard deduction 

 

Form 1040:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf

 

Form 1040SR:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s.pdf

**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.**