Quick Answer
If you're 65 or older by December 31st, you get an extra $1,850 standard deduction (single) or $1,500 per spouse (married). A single 67-year-old gets $16,850 total ($15,000 regular + $1,850 extra) instead of just $15,000.
Best Answer
Robert Kim, CPA
Best answer for anyone 65 or older wondering about their standard deduction benefit
How much extra standard deduction do you get at 65?
If you turn 65 by December 31st of the tax year, you qualify for an additional standard deduction on top of the regular amount. For 2026 taxes, this extra amount is:
This means your total standard deduction becomes significantly higher than younger taxpayers.
Example: How the extra deduction saves you money
Let's say you're a single 67-year-old with $45,000 in retirement income:
Without the extra deduction (if you were under 65):
With the extra deduction (age 65+):
Married couples can double the benefit
If you're married filing jointly and both spouses are 65+, you both get the extra amount:
This $3,000 extra deduction could save a couple in the 22% tax bracket about $660 in federal taxes.
Key rules to remember
What you should do
1. Check your age: If you turned 65 anytime during 2026 (including December 31st), you qualify
2. Use tax software or tell your preparer: Most tax software automatically applies this, but double-check
3. Don't itemize unless it's worth it: With the higher standard deduction, fewer seniors benefit from itemizing
4. Plan for future years: This benefit continues every year you're 65+
Use our return scanner to make sure you're claiming the correct standard deduction amount and not missing this valuable benefit.
Key takeaway: Being 65+ increases your standard deduction by $1,850 (single) or $1,500 per spouse (married), typically saving $400-660+ in federal taxes with no income limits or special requirements.
*Sources: [IRS Publication 501](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf), [IRS Form 1040 Instructions](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf)*
Key Takeaway: The extra standard deduction for age 65+ is $1,850 (single) or $1,500 per spouse (married), typically saving $400-660+ in federal taxes annually.
Standard deduction amounts for 2026 by filing status and age
| Filing Status | Under 65 | 65 or Older | Extra Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $15,000 | $16,850 | +$1,850 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $30,000 | Up to $33,000 | +$1,500 per spouse |
| Married Filing Separately | $15,000 | $16,500 | +$1,500 |
| Head of Household | $22,500 | $24,350 | +$1,850 |
More Perspectives
Robert Kim, CPA
Best for W-2 employees approaching or over 65 who take the standard deduction
The simple answer for W-2 workers
If you're 65 or older and take the standard deduction (which most people do), you automatically get extra money off your taxes. No forms to fill out, no receipts to save — just a bigger standard deduction.
The amounts for 2026:
Real example: Retired teacher
Mary, 66, is single and receives $38,000 from her teacher's pension plus $18,000 in Social Security (about $3,600 taxable).
If Mary were under 65, her taxable income would be $26,600 and her tax would be ~$2,888. The extra $1,850 deduction saves her about $203 in federal taxes.
Why this matters for retirees
Most retirees don't have enough itemized deductions (mortgage interest, state taxes, charitable donations) to beat the standard deduction. The extra amount for being 65+ makes the standard deduction even more valuable.
Bottom line: If you're 65+ and file a simple W-2 return, you're likely saving $200-500+ per year just for being older. Make sure your tax preparer or software includes this automatic benefit.
Key takeaway: Simple filers over 65 get an automatic tax break worth $200-500+ annually through the higher standard deduction, with no extra paperwork required.
Key Takeaway: Simple filers over 65 get an automatic tax break worth $200-500+ annually through the higher standard deduction, with no extra paperwork required.
Robert Kim, CPA
Best for homeowners over 65 deciding between standard deduction and itemizing
How the age 65+ bonus affects your itemizing decision
As a homeowner over 65, the extra standard deduction makes it harder for itemizing to be worthwhile. You need significantly more deductions to beat the higher threshold.
Standard deduction thresholds for 2026 if you're 65+:
Example: Should you itemize?
Tom and Susan, both 68, own a home in Texas. Their potential itemized deductions:
Their standard deduction (both 65+): $30,000 + $1,500 + $1,500 = $33,000
Result: They should take the $33,000 standard deduction, saving $9,300 more in taxable income than itemizing.
When homeowners 65+ might still itemize
The math changes at 65
Many homeowners who itemized in their 50s and early 60s find that the extra standard deduction at 65+ makes itemizing unnecessary, especially once their mortgage is paid off or mostly paid down.
Key takeaway: Homeowners 65+ need $16,850+ (single) or $33,000+ (married) in itemized deductions to beat the standard deduction, making itemizing less common for seniors.
Key Takeaway: Homeowners 65+ need $16,850+ (single) or $33,000+ (married) in itemized deductions to beat the standard deduction, making itemizing less common for seniors.
Sources
- IRS Publication 501 — Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information
- IRS Form 1040 Instructions — Instructions for Form 1040
Related Questions
Reviewed by Robert Kim, CPA on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.