topic how do I claim the enhanced deduction for seniors in Deductions & credits

how do I claim the enhanced deduction for seniors

MROTH4 — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:19:35 GMT

Re: how do I claim the enhanced deduction for seniors

DoninGA — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:23:10 GMT

If you are age 65 or older and meet the requirement, the additional deduction is automatically added on your federal tax return.

Standard deductions for 2025

Single - $15.750 add $2,000 if age 65 or older
Married Filing Separately - $15,750 add $1,600 if age 65 or older
Married Filing Jointly - $31,500 add $1,600 for each spouse age 65 or older
Head of Household - $23,625 add $2,000 if age 65 or older

New Bonus Standard Deduction (OBBB):
An additional $6,000 deduction for taxpayers 65 and older.
This is per eligible individual, meaning a married couple both over 65 could get $12,000.
Important: This bonus deduction is temporary, lasting from 2025 through 2028.
Income limitations: It phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers.

The amount is calculated on Schedule 1-A, Part V, with that amount flowing to Form 1040 Line 13b

Look at your Form 1040 -

You can view your Form 1040 plus Schedules 1, 2 and 3 at any time using the online editions. Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the online program screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.

Re: how do I claim the enhanced deduction for seniors

AnnetteB6 — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 17:26:03 GMT

There is nothing that you need to do other than enter your accurate date of birth. The enhanced deduction is included automatically.

The additional senior deduction enacted due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is not reported as part of the standard deduction on your tax return. Instead, you will see it included on Form 1040 line 13b.

Amounts shown on line 13b can be traced back to Schedule 1-A line 38 where the total Enhanced Deduction for Seniors is calculated.