Springfield, IL – Seniors in Illinois who are 65 and older may qualify for an extra standard deduction on their state income taxes, potentially reducing their taxable income and increasing their refunds or lowering owed taxes. Understanding how this deduction works can help older residents maximize their benefits when filing.
What Is the Extra Standard Deduction for Seniors?
The Illinois Department of Revenue allows taxpayers 65 and older to claim an additional deduction on top of the regular standard deduction. For 2025, this extra deduction can provide seniors with several hundred dollars in tax relief, depending on their filing status and total income.
Seniors who file jointly with a spouse also over 65 may be eligible for combined deductions, further lowering their taxable income.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the extra deduction, taxpayers must meet the following criteria:
- Be 65 years of age or older by the end of the tax year.
- File a resident Illinois income tax return.
- Income must be within certain limits; high earners may see reduced benefit.
Those who are partially retired or receiving Social Security benefits can still claim the deduction, although Social Security income itself is not taxable in Illinois.
How to Claim the Deduction
Taxpayers can claim the extra standard deduction directly on their Illinois state income tax forms, typically Form IL-1040. The Department of Revenue provides clear instructions and worksheets to ensure seniors correctly calculate their additional deduction.
Filing software and tax preparers also often automatically apply the deduction if the taxpayer’s age is entered correctly, helping to avoid mistakes and maximize benefits.
Benefits for Seniors
Claiming the extra deduction can reduce the amount of state income tax owed, and in some cases, increase the refund received. Seniors who rely on fixed incomes or retirement benefits may find this deduction particularly helpful in managing living expenses.
For many older residents, understanding and using this tax benefit ensures they retain more of their hard-earned money while complying with Illinois tax laws.
Have you taken advantage of the Illinois extra standard deduction for seniors? Share your experience or questions in the comments below to help others stay informed.
