Filing for my parents

[questionsfor2024]

Hello and thank you for your time!

I am filing on behalf of my parents.  They are both in their 80s, retired, and own a home (paid off).  What form is best to use for them?  Their income is in the $30K range.

Thank you!

Patti

🙂

[xmasbaby0]

You have not mentioned what their source of income is.   You can use any version of the desktop download since every version of desktop has all the forms and schedules.   

It is not even clear whether they need to file.   If their only income is Social Security they do not have to file.

You need to file a federal return if half your Social Security plus your other income is

Single or Head of Household      $25,000

Married Filing Jointly                  $32,000

Married Filing Separately            $0

[LindaS5247]

If you are asking about what income tax form to use for your parents, you could use Form 1040 or 1040-SR.

Form 1040-SR is available as an optional alternative to using Form 1040 for taxpayers who are age 65 or older. Form 1040-SR uses the same schedules and instructions as Form 1040 does.

Form 1040-SR is an alternative to the traditional 1040 form. It that features larger print and an easy-to-read standard deduction table. Form 1040-SR can be used by seniors 65 and older filing a paper return. Other than these accommodations, it functions the same as the standard 1040 form.

If you are asking about which version of TurboTax you should use for your parents, you can start with the free online version. If they have anything that requires an upgrade  TurboTax will ask if you want to add the service.  Click here for TurboTax Online Free version. As xmasbaby0 mentions above, any version of the desktop download will work as well.

If your parents are below the filing limit but have withholding of income taxes, they will want to file to get that back.

Click here for "About Form 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors"

[questionsfor2024]

Thank you very much for your response.

Dad receives a pension.  Both parents receive Social Security.

Dad is old school and insists I need to go to our local Library to get the paper forms.  I am just wondering what paper form applies to their situation.

I also wouldn't mind learning how to invest in Tylenol, as raising parents is hard!!!!

hahaha

[xmasbaby0]

Yep....if they want to file a return, let them---it is not worth the debate.  If your dad wants paper forms....they are older than 65 so use Form 1040SR ----the Form 1040 SR is identical to Form 1040 but the print is bigger.  All of the lines and calculations are exactly the same.