How the Extra Standard Deduction Works When You Turn 65

You get to deduct more income from your taxes once you reach 65

When you turn 65, the IRS lets you claim a larger standard deduction — the amount of income you can exclude before paying federal income tax. This means you keep more of your money without filing a tax return at all, or you owe less tax if you do file. The extra amount is fixed by the IRS each year and does not depend on your income or spending.

The standard deduction for people 65 and older is higher than the standard deduction for younger adults. For the 2024 tax year, the difference ranges from about $1,850 to $2,000 more, depending on whether you file as single, married, or head of household. The IRS adjusts these amounts yearly for inflation, so the 2025 amounts will be slightly higher than 2024.

Key Takeaways

• You automatically receive the higher standard deduction when you turn 65 during the tax year — you do not need to request it or prove your age.
• The extra deduction amount varies by filing status: single filers get one increase, married couples filing jointly get a different amount, and head of household filers get another.
• If you are married and only one spouse is 65 or older, that spouse gets the higher deduction while the other uses the regular amount.
• You claim the age-65 standard deduction on your tax return by using the correct worksheet or letting tax software calculate it automatically.

How much extra you can deduct at 65

The IRS sets standard deduction amounts each year. For 2024, a single filer who is 65 or older can deduct $28,050, compared to $14,600 for someone under 65. A married couple filing jointly where at least one spouse is 65 or older can deduct $31,200, compared to $29,200 for a younger couple. A head of household filer who is 65 or older can deduct $21,150, compared to $14,600 for a younger head of household.

These numbers change annually. The IRS publishes the new standard deduction amounts in late 2024 for the 2025 tax year, and again in late 2025 for 2026. You can find the current year's amounts on the IRS website or ask a tax preparer. If you are blind in addition to being 65 or older, you may receive an additional deduction on top of the age-65 amount — this requires documentation of your blindness status.

When you turn 65 during the tax year

Your age on December 31 of the tax year is what matters. If you turn 65 on any date during 2024, you use the 65-and-older standard deduction for your 2024 tax return. You do not need to wait until January 1 of the following year. The IRS does not require you to prove your age — the Social Security Administration shares this information with the IRS automatically.

If you turn 65 on December 31, you still use the higher deduction for that year. If your birthday is January 1, you use the regular deduction for the prior year and the higher deduction starting the following year.

Filing status and how it affects your deduction

Your filing status determines which standard deduction amount applies to you. If you are married and file jointly, and only one spouse is 65 or older, you still get the married-filing-jointly amount for age 65 or older — the deduction does not split between the two of you. Both spouses benefit from the higher amount.

If both spouses are 65 or older, you still use the same married-filing-jointly deduction — it does not increase further. If you are married but file separately, each spouse gets their own standard deduction based on their own age. A spouse who is 65 or older filing separately gets the single-filer age-65 amount, not the married amount.

If you are divorced or widowed and file as head of household, you use the head-of-household standard deduction for your age. If you are single, you use the single-filer deduction for your age.

How to claim the extra deduction on your tax return

If you use tax software, the program asks your birth date and automatically calculates the correct standard deduction. You do not have to do anything extra. If you file by hand using IRS forms, you use the worksheet in the instructions for Form 1040 to determine your standard deduction based on your age and filing status, then enter that amount on the form.

If you work with a tax preparer or accountant, tell them your birth date so they can apply the correct deduction. Many preparers ask for this information automatically. You do not need to bring documentation of your age — the preparer will use your Social Security number to verify it with the IRS if needed.

Whether you need to file a tax return at all

The higher standard deduction means you may not owe federal income tax even if you have income. For 2024, a single person 65 or older does not have to file a federal return unless their income exceeds $28,050. A married couple filing jointly where at least one is 65 or older does not have to file unless their combined income exceeds $31,200.

However, you may still want to file even if you are not required to. If you had taxes withheld from a pension, Social Security, or other income, filing a return may get you a refund. If you are self-employed or have investment income, you may owe tax even below these thresholds. The IRS has a tool on its website to help you determine whether you need to file.

Other tax breaks that work alongside the standard deduction

The age-65 standard deduction is separate from other tax breaks for older adults. You can also claim the Earned Income Tax Credit if you have low income and earned wages, though this is less common for people 65 and older. You may be able to exclude part of your Social Security income from taxation if your total income is below certain thresholds.

If you own your home, you may be able to claim the property tax deduction or mortgage interest deduction if you itemize instead of taking the standard deduction. For most people 65 and older, the standard deduction is larger than itemized deductions, so the standard deduction saves more money. A tax preparer can calculate both options to see which is better for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to tell the IRS I turned 65?

No. The Social Security Administration shares your birth date with the IRS automatically. When you file your tax return, the IRS knows your age and applies the correct standard deduction. You do not need to send proof or notify anyone separately.

What if I am 65 but have very little income?

You still get the higher standard deduction even if your income is zero or very low. You may not owe any tax at all. If you had taxes withheld from a pension or other source, filing a return could get you a refund of that money.

Can I claim the extra deduction if I am claimed as a dependent?

Yes, but your standard deduction is limited. If someone else claims you as a dependent, your standard deduction cannot be more than the greater of $1,150 or your earned income plus $450 (for 2024). This limit applies even if you are 65 or older. A tax preparer can calculate the exact amount for your situation.

Does the age-65 deduction apply to state income tax too?

No. The federal standard deduction is separate from state income tax. Some states offer their own deductions or credits for people 65 and older, but you have to check your state's tax rules. Your state tax return may have a different standard deduction amount or different rules entirely.

What happens if I am married and my spouse is not yet 65?

If you file jointly and you are 65 but your spouse is not, you still get the married-filing-jointly standard deduction for age 65 or older. Your spouse does not need to be 65 — only one spouse needs to be. Next year, when your spouse turns 65, the deduction stays the same because you are already using the higher married amount.