The federal tax code includes several breaks for older adults, and a new deduction that began in 2025 makes them more valuable for many people. Here are the main ones for the 2026 tax year, which you will file in 2027.
A larger standard deduction
For 2026, the basic standard deduction is:
- Single: $16,100.
- Married filing jointly: $32,200.
- Head of household: $24,150.
If you are 65 or older, or blind, you add an extra amount:
- Single or head of household: $2,050 more.
- Married: $1,650 more for each spouse who is 65 or older or blind.
For example, a married couple who are both 65 and file jointly would have a standard deduction of $35,500 in 2026, before the new senior deduction below.
The new senior deduction
For tax years 2025 through 2028, people who are 65 or older by the end of the year can take an additional deduction of up to $6,000 each, or up to $12,000 for a married couple if both qualify. Key points:
- You can take it whether you itemize or take the standard deduction.
- It shrinks by 6% of your modified adjusted gross income above $75,000 for single filers or $150,000 for joint filers, and disappears completely at $175,000 and $250,000.
- Married couples must file jointly to claim it, and each person must have a valid Social Security number.
- It is claimed on Schedule 1-A with your Form 1040.
Medical expenses
If you itemize deductions, you can deduct medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Eligible costs can include:
- Medicare Part B and Part D premiums, Medicare Advantage premiums and Medigap premiums.
- Long-term care insurance premiums, up to an age-based limit.
- Doctor, dental, vision and hearing costs, including hearing aids and glasses.
- Prescription drugs.
- Some home modifications for medical reasons, such as ramps and grab bars.
- Nursing home and some assisted living costs when care is mainly for medical reasons.
Higher state and local tax limit
For people who itemize, the cap on deductions for state and local taxes, including property taxes, rose to $40,000 for 2025 and $40,400 for 2026. The higher cap phases down for incomes above about $500,000.
The Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled
People 65 and older, or younger and permanently disabled, with very low incomes may qualify for this credit. Income limits are low and include nontaxable Social Security, so relatively few people qualify, but it is worth checking with Schedule R.
Charitable giving from an IRA
If you are 70½ or older, a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA lets you give up to $111,000 in 2026 directly to charity without the gift counting as taxable income. It can also satisfy your required minimum distribution. See required minimum distributions.
Do you need to file?
Your filing threshold is higher once you are 65, because it is tied to your standard deduction. Even if you do not have to file, you may want to if you had tax withheld and are due a refund. IRS Publication 554 explains the rules for older taxpayers.
Free help with your taxes
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provide free preparation, with a focus on people 60 and older and those with moderate incomes. Call 1-800-906-9887 or use the IRS site locator.
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free help at libraries and community centers.
Bring your Social Security benefit statement (SSA-1099), Forms 1099-R for pensions and retirement accounts, last year's return and a photo ID.
