What changes about taxes when you reach 65

At 65, you get a higher standard deduction — the amount of income you can earn without owing federal income tax. For 2024, that threshold is $29,200 for single filers and $58,350 for married couples filing jointly, compared to $14,600 and $29,200 at 64. This means many seniors owe nothing and do not need to file at all.

You still may want to file even if you owe no tax, because you could be leaving money on the table. If you had taxes withheld from Social Security, pension payments, or other income, filing gets that money back as a refund. The IRS will not send it to you without a return.

The filing process itself does not change — you use the same forms and the same important date (April 15). What changes is whether you have to file, and how much income triggers that requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • You do not have to file a federal tax return if your income is below the standard deduction for your age, but filing may get you a refund of withheld taxes.
  • At 65 and older, your standard deduction is higher than it is for younger filers, which means a higher income threshold before you owe tax.
  • Social Security benefits are sometimes taxable depending on your other income, and you will need to report them on your return even if they are not.
  • Free filing options exist for seniors with lower incomes, including IRS Free File and AARP Tax-Aide, which is staffed by trained volunteers.
  • If you cannot file yourself, a tax professional or family member can file on your behalf with your permission and signature.

When you have to file as a senior

You must file if your gross income exceeds the standard deduction for your age and filing status. For 2024, that means a single senior with $29,200 or more in income must file. A married couple filing jointly must file if their combined income is $58,350 or more. These thresholds include wages, self-employment income, interest, dividends, and taxable Social Security benefits.

Social Security itself is reported differently. You always report the full amount you received, but only part of it may be taxable depending on your other income. The IRS calls this "combined income" — it includes half your Social Security plus all other income. If your combined income exceeds $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (married filing jointly), some of your benefits become taxable.

Even if you do not have to file, you should file if you had income tax withheld from paychecks, pensions, or other sources. The IRS will not refund that money without a return.

Documents you will need to gather

Start by collecting anything that shows income you received. This includes W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms for interest and dividends, 1099-R forms for pensions and retirement account withdrawals, and SSA-1099 forms for Social Security (the Social Security Administration sends these automatically). If you are self-employed, gather records of income and business expenses.

Next, find records of any taxes already paid. Look for W-2 forms (which show federal tax withheld), 1099 forms (which may show withholding), and any estimated tax payments you made during the year. If you made charitable donations and itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction, gather receipts.

You will also need your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. If you are married filing jointly, you will need your spouse's information too. If anything changed during the year — a move, a name change, a new dependent — have that information ready.

Free filing options for seniors

IRS Free File is available to anyone with an adjusted gross income below a certain threshold (for 2024, that is $79,000). You use software provided by IRS partners at no cost, and you file electronically. Go to irs.gov and look for the Free File link to see which providers serve your income level and situation.

AARP Tax-Aide is staffed by trained volunteers and is free for anyone 60 and older, regardless of income. You can find a location near you at aarp.org/taxaide. Volunteers prepare and file your return for you. Tax-Aide operates from February through April, and some locations extend into May, so call ahead to confirm hours.

Your local Volunteer Income Tax information (VITA) program also offers free preparation. VITA sites are run by nonprofits and community organizations and serve people with lower incomes. Search for VITA near you at irs.gov/vita. Both VITA and Tax-Aide file electronically, which means you get a refund faster than if you mail a paper return.

How to file on your own or with help

If you file yourself, you can use tax software, fill out paper forms, or work with a tax professional. Tax software walks you through questions about your income and deductions and calculates what you owe or what you are owed. Paper forms (1040 and schedules) are available at irs.gov and at libraries and post offices. A tax professional — a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax preparer — will interview you, gather documents, and file on your behalf for a fee.

If you want a family member to file for you, you can authorize them in writing. You do not need a power of attorney for tax filing — a straightforward letter saying you authorize them to prepare and sign your return is enough. You will still need to sign the return itself, either in person or by having them mail it to you for your signature before they file.

If you are unable to sign — due to illness or disability — you can authorize someone to sign on your behalf using Form 2848 (Power of Attorney for Tax Matters). This form must be signed by you in front of a notary public, or you can have a representative sign it in front of a notary if you cannot.

What happens after you file

If you file electronically, the IRS acknowledges receipt within 24 hours. If you are owed a refund, it typically arrives within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return. You can check the status of your refund at irs.gov/refunds or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

If you owe tax, you have until April 15 to pay. You can pay online at irs.gov, by phone, by mail, or through your bank. If you cannot pay in full, you can set up a payment plan with the IRS. Short-term plans (120 days or less) are free. Long-term plans charge a setup fee and monthly interest.

Keep a copy of your filed return and all supporting documents for at least three years. The IRS can audit returns from the past three years, and you will need these documents to prove what you reported.

Common mistakes seniors make when filing

The most common mistake is not filing at all because you think you do not owe tax. Many seniors leave refunds unclaimed this way. If you had any tax withheld, file to get it back.

Another frequent error is forgetting to report all sources of income. Seniors often have income from multiple places — Social Security, a pension, interest on savings, rental property, part-time work — and missing even one source can trigger an IRS notice. Report everything, even if you think it is not taxable.

Some seniors also miss out on deductions they are may have access to to. If you are 65 or older, you can claim an additional standard deduction. If you paid medical expenses that exceeded 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income, you can deduct the excess. If you made charitable donations, you can deduct them. Do not assume the standard deduction is your only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file if I only receive Social Security?

Not if Social Security is your only income and it is below the standard deduction for your age. However, if you also have other income — even a small amount of interest or a part-time job — you may have to file. The safest approach is to add up all your income and compare it to the threshold for your filing status.

What if I made a mistake on a return I already filed?

You can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. You have three years from the original due date to amend. If you are owed money, file the amended return as soon as you notice the error. If you owe money, file it promptly to avoid interest and penalties.

Can someone else sign my tax return?

Only if you authorize them in writing on Form 2848 and have it notarized. For straightforward filing, a letter stating you authorize them is usually enough. You will still need to sign the return itself unless you have a notarized power of attorney that specifically allows them to sign on your behalf.

What if I cannot afford to pay what I owe?

File your return anyway by the important date, even if you cannot pay. Then contact the IRS to set up a payment plan. You can pay in installments, and the IRS charges interest and a setup fee, but this is much cheaper than the penalties for not filing or not paying on time.

Where do I get my Social Security income statement for my tax return?

The Social Security Administration sends Form SSA-1099 to all beneficiaries by January 31 each year. If you do not receive it, you can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and view your statement online, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request a copy.