If you are over 65, you may qualify for an extra standard deduction from the IRS. This additional tax benefit is designed to reduce your taxable income and lighten your tax burden as you age. Here is a closer look at what this extra deduction means for 2025, based on your age and marital status.
What is the standard deduction for 2025?
The standard deduction is the amount subtracted from your taxable income. It applies to everyone, but if you are over 65, the IRS offers an additional deduction to provide tax relief. For 2025, standard deduction amounts are projected as follows:
- Single filers: $15,000
- Married filing jointly: $30,000
- Head of household: $22,500
Now, let us break down how extra deductions apply specifically to older adults.
What is the extra standard deduction for those over 65?
The IRS offers an additional deduction for taxpayers aged 65 or older. In 2025:
- Single or head-of-household filers get an extra $1,950
- Married filers receive an additional $1,550 per eligible individual
- If both spouses are 65 or older, they could receive a total additional deduction of $3,100.
These deductions help decrease your taxable income further, keeping more of your income out of the tax bracket.
How marital status affects the extra deduction
The deduction differs slightly based on whether you file as single, married, or head of household. Each of these statuses comes with specific amounts:
- Single or head of household: For 2025, individuals aged 65 or older get an extra $1,950 added to their standard deduction.
- Married filing jointly: Each spouse who is 65 or older can add $1,550, totaling $3,100 if both meet the age requirement.
- Married filing separately: Each spouse who qualifies can still claim the $1,550 extra deduction separately.
For instance, if both spouses are over 65 and filing jointly, they qualify for a combined $3,100 in additional deductions for 2025.
What if you are blind?
If you are legally blind, the IRS allows an additional deduction. For 2025, the amounts are:
- Single filers (blind and over 65): Additional $4,000
- Married filing jointly (both blind and over 65): Additional $3,200 per individual
The blindness deduction requires medical certification, such as a doctor confirming vision limitations, and applies only if you meet IRS vision loss standards.
How to decide between standard deduction and itemizing
Many people over 65 find it simpler to take the standard deduction, especially with these added amounts. However, if you have substantial itemizable deductions – such as high medical expenses, mortgage interest, or charitable donations – itemizing might still offer greater tax savings. Key points to consider:
- The standard deduction, with the added age deduction, simplifies filing and covers most tax reduction needs for many seniors.
- Itemizing, however, requires records of all deductible expenses but can be worth it if your qualifying expenses are high.
When to file with the extra deduction
You do not have to request this deduction separately – the IRS includes it in your return as long as your birth date and filing status confirm your eligibility. Simply check the age box on your tax form, or confirm through tax software, which often asks about age to ensure this benefit is included.
