How much is the standard deduction for seniors over 65 in 2026?

A single filer 65 or older gets $16,100 plus $2,050, for $18,150. A married couple filing jointly with both spouses 65 or older gets $32,200 plus $1,650 each, for $35,500.

Do I get the extra senior amount if I itemize?

No. The extra amount for age 65 or blindness only applies when you take the standard deduction. If you itemize, you claim your itemized expenses instead.

What is the $6,000 senior deduction?

For tax years 2025 through 2028, people 65 or older can claim an extra $6,000 deduction per person, whether they itemize or take the standard deduction. It phases out above $75,000 of MAGI single or $150,000 joint.

Does turning 65 mid-year count for the extra deduction?

Yes. You qualify if you are 65 on or before the last day of the tax year. A December birthday counts for that year's return.

Can both spouses claim the $6,000 senior deduction?

Yes. Married couples filing jointly can claim $6,000 for each spouse who is 65 or older, up to $12,000. Married filing separately does not qualify.

Should a retiree itemize or take the standard deduction?

Take whichever is larger. Add up mortgage interest, state and local taxes, and charitable gifts. If the total beats your standard deduction amount, itemizing wins. For many retirees without a mortgage, the standard deduction is larger.

Guide · Updated October 8, 2026

2026 standard deduction for seniors

Turning 65 comes with a bigger standard deduction. Here are the exact 2026 amounts, the extra senior bonus, and two worked examples.

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Christian Brinkley, licensed insurance agent in Greensboro, North Carolina — Christian BrinkleyNC Life & Health · Greensboro, NC

In short

The standard deduction is the slice of your income the IRS does not tax. Everyone gets a base amount by filing status. At 65, you add an extra amount on top. For 2025 through 2028, there is also a separate $6,000 senior bonus deduction.

The 2026 amounts

2026 standard deduction amounts including the age 65 addition
Filing status	Base amount	Extra at 65 or older	Total at 65
Single	$16,100	+$2,050	$18,150
Head of household	$24,150	+$2,050	$26,200
Married filing jointly	$32,200	+$1,650 per spouse	$35,500 if both are 65+

Blindness adds the same extra amount, and it stacks. A single filer who is both 65 or older and blind adds $2,050 twice, for a $20,200 standard deduction.

Two worked examples

Example 1: Linda, 68, single, with $30,000 of income. Her standard deduction is $18,150. Her taxable income is $11,850 before any other adjustments.

Example 2: James and Carol, 70 and 67, filing jointly, with $60,000 of income. Their standard deduction is $35,500. Their taxable income is $24,500 before any other adjustments.

The $6,000 senior bonus deduction

Separate from the standard deduction, taxpayers 65 or older can claim an extra $6,000 per person for tax years 2025 through 2028. It works whether you itemize or take the standard deduction. It phases out when modified adjusted gross income passes $75,000 single or $150,000 joint. Married couples must file jointly, and each qualifying spouse gets the $6,000.

Standard deduction or itemize?

Compare your itemizable expenses against your standard deduction total. Common itemized expenses for retirees: mortgage interest, state and local taxes, and charitable gifts. Without a mortgage, the standard deduction usually wins. Here is the full picture of taxes in retirement, and here is when Social Security gets taxed.

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Common questions

How much is the standard deduction for seniors over 65 in 2026?: A single filer 65 or older gets $16,100 plus $2,050, for $18,150. A married couple filing jointly with both spouses 65 or older gets $32,200 plus $1,650 each, for $35,500.
Do I get the extra senior amount if I itemize?: No. The extra amount for age 65 or blindness only applies when you take the standard deduction. If you itemize, you claim your itemized expenses instead.
What is the $6,000 senior deduction?: For tax years 2025 through 2028, people 65 or older can claim an extra $6,000 deduction per person, whether they itemize or take the standard deduction. It phases out above $75,000 of MAGI single or $150,000 joint.
Does turning 65 mid-year count for the extra deduction?: Yes. You qualify if you are 65 on or before the last day of the tax year. A December birthday counts for that year's return.
Can both spouses claim the $6,000 senior deduction?: Yes. Married couples filing jointly can claim $6,000 for each spouse who is 65 or older, up to $12,000. Married filing separately does not qualify.
Should a retiree itemize or take the standard deduction?: Take whichever is larger. Add up mortgage interest, state and local taxes, and charitable gifts. If the total beats your standard deduction amount, itemizing wins. For many retirees without a mortgage, the standard deduction is larger.

This page is educational only, not tax advice. Christian Brinkley is a licensed insurance agent and accounting student in Greensboro, NC, not a CPA. Call or text (919) 408-6671 to talk through your retirement income picture.

Christian BrinkleyNC Life & Health · Greensboro, NC

Get your retirement tax picture straight

We will look at your income sources and deductions together and map what 2026 looks like for you. Educational only, no obligation. Call or text (919) 408-6671.

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