how do i claim the senior enhanced deduction?

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

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.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

It is automatic based on your age. It is not part of your Standard Deduction. The new Senior Deduction is separate and in addition to the Standard Deduction or your Itemized Deductions on 1040 line 12e. The 6,000/12,000 senior deduction will be calculated on 1040 Schedule 1-A page 2 Part V Enhanced Deduction for Seniors which goes to 1040 line 13b with any other sch 1-A amounts. Turbo Tax automatically includes it if you qualify. If you are married you have to file a Joint return.


For Online version You can preview the 1040 or print the whole return
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/accessing/help/how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-f...

See the 1040…….
,

[clintlong2003]

the senior deduction is not showing on Schedule 1-A, when my MAGI is less than $82,000, 65 at year end and filing single.  I re-checked all the boxes.  The Additional deductions line on 1040 should be at least $5,580 and shows as Zero.

[DoninGA]

@clintlong2003 Were you born before January 2, 1961?  If so, you are eligible for the enhanced senior deduction.

Click on My Info/Personal Info and verify your date of birth.

[clintlong2003]

yes, I am saying that the turbotax software must be flawed because it will not show the correct additional deductions even though I have entered all the correct information.   For some reason it started as the free edition software, even though it is now the premium edition do it yourself.  i read the free edition for some reason does not acknowledge the enhanced senior deduction.

[DoninGA]

@clintlong2003 I just did a test tax return using the TurboTax Free online edition.  Filing as Married Filing Jointly, both ages over 65.  Reporting SS income for both spouses.  The TurboTax software calculated the enhanced senior deduction and entered on the Form 1040 Line 13b $12,000

Suggest you clear your tax return and start over.  Also, you would only be required to use the Premium online editions if you are reporting self-employment income and expenses, rental or royalty property income and expenses, investment Income or entered a Schedule K-1.

If you have not paid for the online edition you are using, have not filed your tax return or registered the Free edition, then you can clear your return and start over with a lower priced edition. Click on Switch Products on the lower left side of the program screen while working on the 2025 online tax return. Click on Clear & Start Over

[clintlong2003]

Thanks, I  assumed that is what I would have to do if nothing else worked.  As soon as I cleared it, and reentered everything, the correct tax came up.   For some reason the system started off as the free edition which looks like does not recognize the senior enhanced deduction.  When it started up again it showed the correct DIY edition with fee.