If I'm still working, why did I receive the enhanced deduction for Seniors?

[Vanessa A]

The enhanced senior deduction is based on age and income.  It does not matter if you are still working, you do not have to be retired in order to claim it.

For Tax Year 2025 through 2028, seniors may claim an additional deduction of $6,000 per taxpayer over 65.  This is NOT a refundable credit.  This is a deduction of your income. 

• If your income is above $75,000 ($150,000 if Married filing jointly) the bonus deduction decreases by $.06 for every dollar over the relevant amount. 
• This deduction is available whether you itemize or take the standard deduction.
• If your filing status is married filing separately you are not eligible for this deduction.

This bonus deduction is ONLY for those over 65, it does not apply to those who are blind and under 65
 

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

Whether working or not has no bearing on your eligibility for the enhanced senior deduction

If you are filing as Married Filing Separately you are not eligible for the deduction.  If you are Single and your AGI is over $150,000 or Married Filing Jointly and your AGI is over $250,000 you are not eligible for the deduction.

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.