how to claim the elderly tax credit?

[aimee-s-perret]

california resident - single

[xmasbaby0]

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 on line 13b.

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-retur...

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

[MaryK4]

If you are using TurboTax, search for "Elderly or Disabled Credit" in the search bar. The software will ask a series of questions about your age and income to automatically generate the correct forms for you.

As a single California resident, you can claim the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled if you meet specific age and income requirements. This is a nonrefundable credit that reduces your state tax liability. 

Eligibility Requirements for Single Filers

To qualify for the 2025 tax year, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• You were 65 or older by December 31 of the tax year.
• You were a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the entire tax year.
• Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must be less than $17,500.  The total of your nontaxable Social Security, pensions, annuities, or disability income must be less than $5,000.