From a search:

" The 2025-2028 $6,000 "Senior Bonus" Deduction (Enhanced Deduction for Seniors) is reported on Line 13b of Form 1040, with details calculated on Schedule 1-A (Form 1040), Part V. It is a separate, additional deduction from the standard deduction or itemized deductions. The deduction is automatically applied if you are 65 or older and check the appropriate age box.

• Where it appears: The deduction flows from Schedule 1-A to Line 13b of the 1040/1040-SR form.
• How it works: It is an additional $6,000 deduction per eligible taxpayer over 65 (up to $12,000 for married filing jointly).
• Phase-out: The full deduction is available for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) up to $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married filing jointly), with phase-outs occurring above those levels.
• Eligibility: It applies whether you itemize or take the standard deduction.

If using software like TurboTax, the deduction is automatically calculated when you enter your date of birth, but it is important to confirm it appears on Schedule 1-A and Line 13b. "

Thanks Elmer, I'll recalculate.............

ps, they don't make it easy do they.

I'm currently rereading a great book - "The Caine Mutiny" by Herman Wouk, which has to do with fictionalized happenings on a Navy warship during World War 2. One of the leading characters is a newly minted Ensign, a college grad and also a recent grad of a rushed Navy Officer preparation program. He finds himself challenged to become acclimated to life and duties on his first blue water shipboard assignment. Struggling with the regulations for some particular matter he was responsible for, he went to a senior officer for help. The senior officer told him "Navy regulations are designed by brilliant people to provide guidance to Navy personnel they assume to be incompetent idiots. Instead of trying to figure out what you're doing, pretend you're an idiot and do exactly what you're told. You'll get the desired outcome."

No better advice applies to preparing tax returns. Either follow form instructions if doing manually, or use software (the better choice). Forget learning about it. Assemble your information, follow directions or answer the questions (ie, do as you're told) and you'll get the right answers.

Good luck.

If you don’t use a home tax software, the IRS offers free tax filing and you can pick an online tax preparer vendor from the list to file your tax. Some of them will let you file federal tax for free even if you exceed certain income limit, but charge for state tax. Even if you prefer to file your tax the old fashioned way on papers, you can still use the online vendor tax program to double check your calculations, any missed deductions, etc.

palisades, I'd like to make some clarifying comments. I'm making more focused and specific comments and explaining why things are as they are.

Over 20 years ago, right around when the IRS was ready to unveil its "e-filing" capability, a number of software companies that developed and sold return prep software (like Turbo Tax, H&R Block and others no longer around, like Lacerte, BNA, and more) had been working with them and were in discussions about how much the IRS would charge for e-filing.

The IRS had a good idea - it would allow the software companies to have its products include a feature for "free e-filing" of returns (federal only, of course) IF, in return, each company provided access to free, online return preparation sites for individuals needing to file "simple" 1040s. Those with uncomplicated tax situations and not more than a stated maximum amount of income.

Win/Win. For the IRS, processing e-filed returns is easier and cheaper than paper returns. For the software companies, three benefits

1) They can sell software and offer e-filing to buyers free of charge

2) Offering free, online versions introduces individuals to its products

3)When it turns out someone has been working in the free, online version and finds their facts violate the rules of simplicity, the software company can offer a moderately priced upgrade to a product that's not free and facilitate the porting of already entered info. So that past entry work isn't lost or for naught.

I looked on the IRS site and its list of Free return prep software providers is very incomplete. Anyone wanting to use free software should ask around of people they know to see what companies' products seem to be most recommended.

I looked on the IRS site and its list of Free return prep software providers ….

On this list, I’ve been using FreeTaxUSA for 3 years to file my federal taxes, either with standard deduction or itemized - smooth sailing every time, although the first year I only used them to check my own manual paperwork. I do see a need for a paid tax professional or more robust paid software that might offer better guidance and accuracy for highly complex scenarios such as trusts, estates, international tax, extensive investment or business filings. Anyone with a not so complex financial situation can test these free tax softwares to see if they can handle your taxes, just don’t submit the final step to the IRS.

" smooth sailing every time, "

Were they correct? Was your position or reporting optimized? How would you know one way or the other?

I don't recommend people do their own tax returns year after year. What with law changes, changed circumstances and other things going on, even for people with very basic income and tax situations, there's no assurance that the return done by oneself was done correctly.

Paying a qualified preparer even one year out of three is a worthwhile compromise.

Who do you talk to if you have alternatives to consider and don't know what's best for you? What if something new comes along, you don't know what to do with it, and so you do nothing? Or, flip a coin? Is the outcome correct? Does the matching routine find it (if a return matter) and let you know? Are the person's state's tax rules different?

My recommendation when asked is to advise using a paid preparer. And for some, that can often mean a CPA and not just an H&R Block office or someone with the mostly meaningless EA (Enrolled Agent) designation. It depends.

For software, the top two are Turbo Tax and H&R Block. Whether the free or paid versions.

There's an old saying that a person who represents themself concerning a legal matter or does so in court has a fool for a client. I think the same saying can apply for people without education, training and experience thinking they can manage their own tax affairs and tax planning on their own.

Because you have not used any of the IRS approved tax preparer softwares you can only speculate. Try one and you’ll have all your questions answered. I recommend to compare the results with Turbo Tax as a cross check.

I understand that many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to doing their taxes for various reasons, including those I mentioned earlier. Whether it’s the complexity of tax laws, the time commitment, or the fear of making mistakes that could lead to penalties, these concerns can be really stressful. This is where a professional tax preparer comes in—taking that burden off your shoulders.

" ps, they don't make it easy do they. "

I'm pretty sure that's part of their job ;)

I had a lot of fun with the IRS for over a decade in the past and was late by almost three years, every year. It seems there is are no penalties if no payment is due, but any refund will be forfeited after the due date of the third year. So I procrastinated, and one year behind turned into two years, and than nearly three years when I'd file the oldest year as my little act of defiance. All tax returns were done, many were very complicated from my stock trading days and selling houses, with estimated taxes payed, but just not mailed, and never filed for an extension.

I got plenty of letters telling me I haven't filed my tax return but with no options, no threats, just a friendly reminder. I wanted to see how long I could do this until they got aggressive, but never did. After the eighth year a letter arrived saying a rule changed and they ordered my employer to change my exemption status to single with zero exemptions I could not change back, ever. Hmmm.... That is it? No audit, no demand to visit the IRS office, nothing! Do they not love me or even care? So I just adjusted my estimated tax payments. I know it was silly and amounted to nothing, just like the silly protests people do now, but it felt good.

A few years later the government started giving out all those tax rebates, and to get mine I had to file all three years worth of returns to get the first rebate. I then started keeping up to date and used turbo tax to E file and to avoid all the paper work. The investment income started flowing in and I owed every year so couldn't play with the IRS any more.

If you are due a refund, there is still is no penalty for filing late, but you must file within three years to claim it, and this still stands so no rush to meet a dead line.

Palisades, I, too, use FreeTaxUSA. I have used it for about 10 years. My taxes are simple and straightforward and I am happy with how they do things.

Kevin - I had a case worker assigned to me after I failed to file for a couple years. When I finally submitted (and yes I had to meet her personally) I got a five figure refund. I had accidentally sent in a quarterly twice somewhere along the line. I had no idea about the three years - whew!

I get a tax preparer to do ours. I know that’s not the same as hiring an accountant, but our returns are fairly straight-forward. So I consider it a solid middle ground to have someone do it who prepares taxes day in and day out, rather than worry about if I’m missing something. The few hundred bucks is worth it to me. Others will feel differently.

" Because you have not used any of the IRS approved tax preparer softwares you can only speculate. "

The IRS doesn't "approve" tax prep software. Companies register to be included on the IRS site. Some tax software companies (which for whatever reason are bigger and better known ones with better reputations) don't bother to do so.

" Try one and you’ll have all your questions answered. "

I don't have any questions. My income tax picture is more complicated than the free versions handle but that's not an issue anyway. I'm quite capable of doing my own returns (with decent software, of course). My career involved work in a somewhat related but rather different area. Managing my own tax affairs is, by comparison, quite simple. Individual taxation laws can be bulky and awkward in places but are not difficult. That's why so many basically unqualified people can be trained to do returns.

" I understand that many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to doing their taxes "

This is not a normal or desirable situation to be in. Someone who feels overwhelmed should be paying a specialist for their services. So too should someone with other than a vanilla tax picture who unwarrantedly feels confident of being able to handle it themself.

The investment income started flowing in and I owed every year so couldn't play with the IRS any more.

The period when I had multiple homes and multi state incomes, I was glad to used H&R office. With W2 income and yearly investment income I always ended up paying more taxes. Now retired but with only yearly investment income, having not touched 401k/IRA, I still pay beaucoup, but figuring taxes on them has become second nature.

To clarify, technically the IRS doesn’t “approve” a tax software, it means the IRS recognizes it as an approved way to prepare and submit eligible taxpayers’ federal returns for free through the IRS platform. Those on the list are considered trusted partners.

" To clarify, technically the IRS doesn’t “approve” a tax software, "

It's not just "technically" they don't, it's more accurate to say that actually and factually, they don't. No official validation or endorsement should be implied or assumed for a product mentioned on the IRS site because such is not the case.

" it means the IRS recognizes it as an approved way to prepare and submit eligible taxpayers’ federal returns "

No, your words go beyond what a listing on the IRS site represents. Keep in mind that many software companies have comparable products that aren't listed. Including, as I said before, some considered to be better ones.

" Those on the list are considered trusted partners. "

That term is a euphemism, it means nothing. Those on the list have requested the IRS mention them on its site. The mention is the result of a request/application from a private sector company, not something the IRS does on its own.

Ok I was expecting something more interesting than that.

My comments are factual, your snarky response was unnecessary. I'm not sure what your intent was with what I presume were your honest tidbits of misinformation or misunderstanding you seemed compelled to try to defend.

If you want something interesting, read a good book. Tax topics are rarely interesting to the general public. In the profession, with stuff more meaty than individual taxation, it's different.

lol. I meant you’re boring to converse with your non factual thoughts.

eta: And as usual your bad reputation precedes you ;)

More snark. My intent was to clarify the misinformation in your comments, nothing more.

Enjoy the game today.

Kevin, just reading your posts.

“I'd file the oldest year as my little act of defiance.”

“If you are due a refund, there is still is no penalty for filing late, but you must file within three years to claim it, and this still stands so no rush to meet a dead line.”

You really showed them, forcing them to hold onto your money interest free!

you too elmer. Don‘t be too salty because there was no misinformation.

Palisades, I, too, use FreeTaxUSA. I have used it for about 10 years. My taxes are simple and straightforward and I am happy with how they do things.

Agree. I used them as usual this year and already received my refund. Vgkg, they included the extra $6,000 deduction for me.

Lucille, that is good to know about the $6,000. I would figure they would be on top of things but good to know they are. I usually do mine in March. Not for any real reason but it works for me.

" there was no misinformation "

Ridiculous and, again, incorrect comment.

On to less childish conversation, vgkg - a very good reason to have a printer is to insure that you have access to current tax forms (if you prefer to prepare on hard copy and avoid tax prep software or online features). Because of the proliferation of the use of software (of all kinds) for return preparation, tax authorities have decreased the printing and distribution of hard copy forms. But, each and every form is always available online in PDF form, which can then be printed out.

Each form changes every year. Nothing from "last year" is ever useful "this year". Changes, if any, are always embedded in form flow to create "this year's" forms.

Refer to my first suggestion to you - there's no need to study changes. If you just follow the form directions (printed on the face of each form) and supplemental info in corresponding instruction sheets, using current forms, you'll get the right result. Wrong form, wrong result.

Thanks for the advice Elmer, but as you can see from my last post I have no problem that needs being fixed, esp after 60 years preparing my tax returns by hand without issues at the kitchen table rather than using software available on the web. As mentioned, I have no need for a printer as I can easily make copies of anything I need at the library close by. If I had a printer it's doubtful that I'd use it more than 3 times a year. Thanks for your first reply about the new formatted Sch-1 2025 form, of which I should receive in the mail this week. If I had waited a little longer to receive it to review I would not have started this thread. I was only using the 2024 Sch-1 as a rough draft and would never have submitted it with my 2025 1040. Anyways, this should close out this thread....unless someone ventures to answer my quiz....it's not a trick question, just a trick source.

Bingo

Yeah! how dare him lie to us. I'm so mad I don't know if I shouldn't take our $12,000 credit and show him, or take the $1,200 extra and burn it up at the casino. How about you VGKG, are you going to refuse the cheesy attempt to buy your loyally, or take the dirty money and waste it on Cheetos?

I LOVE that yellow hair!

Sure Kevin, we'll take the $12K deduction, it won't buy my loyalty though, not even if he actually told the truth about no taxes on Social Security as promised. I just can't bring myself to be loyal to the biggest liar that I have ever witnessed. He is truly extraordinary but not worthy of loyalty. He might be able to buy it from others, but not from me. Money can't buy everything, and besides, it would cost way too much in the long run.

How are you getting a $12,000 credit, Kevin?

Kevin, stop acting like a tax deduction (it’s not a credit) is coming out of that monster’s personal bank acount. He’s treating everything owned by We The People as if it is all HIS. It’s the taxpaper’s money (and White House, and public lands and parks and institutions, etc).

the $6K given to seniors over 65 is officially called deduction, but I don't care what they call it when I'm getting a little back from the illegal taxes collect on my social security entitlement. It's good until the end of 2028. (taxes payable for 2028).

Sorry olychick but I don't understand what you're trying to say. It's my money and the government is taking it from ME, not from his personal bank account. But it will soon become part of everyone's money as it's passed through the money flow raising everyone's ship when I spend it. I got my eye on a nice shiny new hot water heater, not the cheap one either but the fancy one that exhausts the gas out with a fan!

I figure me spending my extra money will generate 100% of every dollar I spend for "We the people" in additional taxes as my dollar moves through the economy that is recovered by government entities over time. Then next year I get my own money back again.

All this talk about the $6K individual or $12K joint ”Senior Bonus” deduction - remember that’s not what every tax filer aged 65+ will receive. The amount a person or a couple will have deducted is based on their MAGI. As Elmer included in his post way upthread, the amount received will be phased out as a person or couple’s MAGI exceeds $75K per individual or $150K per couple. The deduction will be $0 when an individual MAGI exceeds $175K or a joint MAGI exceeds $250K.

Phase-out Rate: The deduction is reduced by 6 cents for every $1 of MAGI over the initial threshold ($75k/$150k).

It’s a don’t count your chickens thing for many.

^^^^^ yes, this. I've had my taxes done already and earned too much in 2025 (in retirement, lol) to be able to deduct the entire $6,000. So that $6,000, while nice, is reduced if you made too much. And I don't wish for large returns. I'd rather not give my $$ to the government for a year. If I get $1.00 back, I know everything was calculated accurately.

Now I'm really confused! I thought progressive taxing and sticking it to the rich was cool here, but see little enthusiasm by a few ^^^^ progressives who don't want to pony up and feed nonexistent children while learing them their ABC's in the back of Minnesota warehouses. Oh the shame, Chuck and Ilhan wouldn't be happy if they heard some of their sheep don't like to be sheared.

(lol.....I'm just playing with you people. have a good laugh for pete's sake.)

Life is more fun when you're having some fun, A good healthy chuckle can go a long way.

A little FYI update :

The new Schedule 1-A doesn't replace Schedule -1. Sch-1 is still required for recording other income such as a state tax refund, or other income. Sch-1-A is for the new deductions such as for SS, Tips, etc. So I'll need them both. The Sch-1 form is unchanged from last year.

Do you have a library around you? Most Libraries have computers and the internet with printers you can use. Bring up the printable tax forms you need for TAX YEAR 2025 and print them out and don't mess around with forms from prior years.

My Library charges 10 cents for every copy I print. I have a printer, but I get data I need to work on vehicles from the libraries subscription to "alldata" so I run copies of what I need to know and may spend a couple of bucks on copies. It beats spending $209 per month for full access to alldata.

Thx Kevin, yes our library is close by and also charges .10/ copy. The IRS is too slow in sending them so I made copies last week and wrapped it all up. Moving on now to state taxes.

" The Sch-1 form is unchanged from last year. "

If so, it still has the wrong year printed on it and may very well trigger a rejection of the return during in-bound processing and review.

Avoiding that possibility takes little effort. All tax authorities provide free PDF versions of all forms and instructions online, available for download. Good luck

Thx Elmer but yes I know, I explained my "draft" use of a 2024 Sch-1 just for rough calculations at least twice already. But that being said I also do not want to make a bonehead mistake by submitting an outdated form, of which I had no intention of doing. Your previous info on the new Sch-1A set me on the right path in regard to the extra SS tax deduction, which by the way did save us about $1,000 in taxes. If you, Kevin, and I ever run into each other at a bar then drinks are on me. ;-)