You’ve probably heard about the standard deduction, but did you know that the tax code offers a perk in the form of an extra standard deduction for people aged 65 or older?
For eligible older adult filers, the additional deduction stacks on the regular standard deduction and can further reduce taxable income. That, in turn, can increase the amount of hard-earned money you keep in retirement.
Here’s more of what you need to know.
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Key points
- Taxpayers 65 and older qualify for an additional standard deduction, reducing their taxable income.
- The extra deduction amount differs based on filing status and whether the taxpayer or spouse is blind.
- The IRS updates the deduction amounts annually for inflation, impacting tax filings.
- Eligible older adults can add the extra deduction to their regular standard deduction when filing taxes, potentially lowering their overall tax bill.
Overview
What’s the standard deduction?
Before delving into specifics about the extra standard deduction for older adults aged 65 and older, reviewing how the regular standard deduction works is helpful.
The standard deduction is a predetermined amount that reduces your taxable income, lowering the income subject to tax. In most cases, whether to take the standard deduction (which most taxpayers choose to do) is up to you. (However, some taxpayers cannot claim the standard deduction.)
The alternative is to itemize deductions, which involves claiming individual deductions on your federal income tax return. Common itemized deductions include things like mortgage interest and charitable donations.
The amount of your standard deduction depends on several different factors. For example:
- Your filing status
- Whether you are 65 or older
- Whether you are blind
- Whether another taxpayer can claim you as a dependent on their tax return
For 2024 (tax returns typically filed in April 2025), the standard deduction amounts are $14,600 for single and for those who are married, filing separately; $29,200 for those married filing jointly and qualified widowers; and $21,900 for head of household.
For more on the standard deduction, see: What’s the 2024 Standard Deduction?
The IRS has also just announced the 2025 Standard Deduction amounts.
IRS extra standard deduction for older adults
When you turn 65, you become eligible for an additional standard deduction on top of the regular standard deduction. However, the amount of this extra deduction can vary based on factors like filing status and whether you or your spouse are 65 or older. Whether you or your spouse is blind is another factor.
- For 2024, the additional standard deduction is $1,950 if you are single or file as head of household.
- If you're married, filing, jointly or separately, the extra standard deduction amount is $1,550 per qualifying individual.
Note: Last year (2023), the additional standard deduction was $1,850 (single or filing as head of household). If you're married, filing jointly or separately, the extra standard deduction amount was $1,500 per qualifying individual.
Also, the IRS has just announced the 2025 extra standard deduction amount. For 2025, returns normally filed in early 2026; that additional amount will be $1,600 ($2,000 if unmarried and not a surviving spouse). More on that below.
Now, if you are 65 or older and blind, the extra standard deduction for 2024 is $3,900 if you are single or filing as head of household. It's $3,100 per qualifying individual if you are married, filing jointly or separately.
2024 Amounts
2024 standard deduction over 65
The additional standard deduction amount for 2024 (returns usually filed in early 2025) is $1,550 ($1,950 if unmarried and not a surviving spouse). See the charts below.
| 65 or older or blind | $1,950 |
| 65 or older and blind | $3,900 |
| 65 or older or blind | $1,550 per qualifying individual |
| 65 or older and blind | $3,100 per qualifying individual |
Note: For the additional standard deduction for people who are blind, you have to be completely blind by the end of a given tax year. Or, you have to have a doctor's certification (in this case, an ophthalmologist or optometrist) that your eyesight is at least 20/200 (in the best eye with corrective lenses.) Or, your doctor must certify that your field of vision is 20 degrees or less.
2023 Amounts
Extra standard deduction 2023
If you haven't filed your 2023 federal income tax return, here are those extra standard deduction amounts.
| 65 or older or blind | $1,850 |
| 65 or older and blind | $3,700 |
| 65 or older or blind | $1,500 per qualifying individual |
| 65 or older and blind | $3,000 per qualifying individual |
Planning ahead: 2025 amounts
Additional standard deduction 2025
If you like to plan, the IRS has released the extra standard deduction amounts for 2025. (You'll use these numbers for tax returns typically filed in early 2026.)
Also, for more detailed information on the new 2025 amounts, see 2025 Tax Deduction Change for Those Over Age 65.
| 65 or older or blind | $2,000 |
| 65 or older and blind | $4,000 |
| 65 or older or blind | $1,600 per qualifying individual |
| 65 or older and blind | $3,200 per qualifying individual |
Claiming the extra standard deduction
As retirees tend to face rising medical and other expenses, the extra standard deduction for individuals 65 and older can help alleviate tax burdens by reducing taxable income. This boost may free up funds for essential needs, leisure activities, or to support loved ones.
If you are eligible to claim the extra standard deduction and aren’t sure how it impacts your tax liability, consult a trusted tax professional or official IRS resources to maximize your tax benefits.
Extra standard deduction vs. itemizing: Which is better?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer when deciding between taking the extra standard deduction and itemizing. The best choice depends on your financial situation and the specific tax credits and deductions you qualify for.
The extra standard deduction for those 65 and older can be a straightforward way to reduce taxable income without extensive record-keeping. This option might be particularly attractive for those who don't have substantial itemizable expenses or prefer a simpler tax filing process.
On the other hand, itemizing can be more beneficial if your qualifying expenses exceed the combined standard and extra standard deductions.
Common itemized deductions include medical expenses, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and state and local taxes. If you have high medical costs or make substantial charitable donations, itemizing might result in greater tax savings.
However, itemizing requires strong record-keeping and sometimes complex tax preparation. Evaluate both options (with help from a trusted advisor if needed) and choose the one that lowers your tax liability the most.
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