2021 Major Tax Breaks for Taxpayers over Age 65 (2024)

Getting older has its perks, including tax breaks. Your income threshold for filing a tax return is higher, you get a bigger standard deduction, and you can defer or avoid taxes on more income. Below are the detail of some tax breaks you’ll qualify for when you turn 65.

Increased Standard Deduction: You qualify for a larger standard deduction if you or your spouse is age 65 or older. The standard deduction for single seniors in 2021 is $1,700 higher than the deduction for taxpayer younger than 65 who file as single or head of household. If you are Married Filing Jointly and you or your spouse is 65 or older, your standard deduction increases by $1,350 each. If both you and your spouse are 65 or older, your standard deduction increases by $2,700.
Different Filing Threshold: A single tax payer can have gross income of up to $14,250 before required to file a tax return in 2021. The tax-filing threshold is $27,800 for couples when both are age 65 and older. Note, there may be reasons to file anyway as refunds, earned income credit, stimulus payment.
State Senior Tax Exemptions: In some states and local jurisdictions, you may qualify for property or tax deferrals or exemptions if you earn below a certain income level. In Texas, for example, homeowners are eligible for a $10,000 homestead exemption on school taxes in addition to the $25,000 exemption for all homeowners. Check the specific rules in your area to claim a property tax exemption.
Tax Credit for Elderly/Disabled: You may be eligible for a tax credit meant to reduce seniors’ tax bills. Singles can claim the credit if their adjusted gross income is below $17,500 and they have nontaxable Social Security and pension income below $5,000. The value of the credit ranges from $3,750 to $7,500. Check (sch R) for 2021 limits.
A worker ages 50 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 in to an IRA if s/he has earnings. This means that if you’re in the 24% tax bracket, maxing out on your IRA would save you $1,680 on your federal tax bill. That’s $240 more than the maximum possible tax break of $1,440 for a younger retirement saver in the same tax bracket. You also may qualify for a saver’s credit if you’re a moderate- or low-income senior who contributes to a retirement account.
Retirement Plan Contribution Benefits: The taxpayers over age 65 and has earned income with a 401(k) plan may be eligible to make additional catch-up contributions. For example, you can defer paying income tax on $6,500 more than younger workers if you contribute that amount to the plan. Income tax won’t be due on this money until it’s withdrawn from the account.
Charitable Deductions QCD: If you are 70 1/2 or older and withdraw money from a traditional IRA, make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), you can transfer up to $100,000 per person per year and not owe income tax on that withdrawal — and it counts toward your required minimum distribution. There’s also a “below the line” deduction of up to $300 for cash donations to charity for single filers, and $600 for married filing jointly.
Tax Exemption for Social Security: If Taxpayer ’s provisional income for single or head of household (gross income, tax-free interest and half of the recipient’s Social Security benefit -amount) is less than $25,000 ($32,000 for Married Filing Jointly), Social Security benefit is tax-free. If it is between $25,000 and $34,000 ($32,000 and $44,000 for Married Filing Jointly), then up to 50% of Social Security benefit are taxable. If it is more than $34,000 ($44,000 for joint filers), then up to 85% of Social Security benefit are taxable.

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