Form 1040-SR is a tax return form designed specifically for taxpayers over the age of 65. It is virtually identical to the standard 1040 form, except it is easier on the eyes and emphasizes tax benefits specifically for seniors, such as a higher standard deduction. To use Form 1040-SR, taxpayers must have turned 65 or older by the end of the tax year. Form 1040-SR also allows the reporting of income from several sources, such as wages, Social Security benefits, and distributions from qualified retirement plans. All in all, Form 1040-SR makes filing taxes easier for seniors, especially those who do not need to itemize their deductions.
What is Form 1040-SR?
Form 1040-SR is a simplified version of the standard Form 1040 that was introduced to the U.S. Tax Code with the 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act. Seniors over the age of 65 who file their taxes with Form 1040-SR are provided with larger type, a direct chart that details the additional standard deduction for seniors, and greater prominence to the senior-specific tax benefits. If you are at least 65 years old by the end of 2022, you are eligible to use either 1040-SR or the standard 1040 for filing taxes.
IRS Form 1040-SR – Who Needs to Fill It Out?
IRS Form 1040-SR is a simplified version of the standard Form 1040 specifically for taxpayers aged 65 or older. It offers a larger typeface, greater prominence to the additional standard deduction for seniors, and expanded income categories to make tax filing simpler for those who qualify. If you turned 65 or older by the end of the 2021 tax year (which you can file in 2022) you may use Form 1040-SR when filing your taxes. However, if you are a retiree under the age of 65, you will still need to use the standard version of Form 1040. The introduction of this duty-specific form helps make tax filing less of a burden for seniors.
Step-by-Step: Form 1040-SR Instructions For Filling Out the Document
Filing Form 1040-SR is an easy step you can take to simplify the process of filing your taxes if you are over the age of 65. To get started on completing the document, gather your financial records and your tax ID number. Then, fill in all relevant personal information, like your name, address, and filing status. When it comes to reporting income, 1040-SR allows for a few additional sources, which can be found in the document. Finally, for taxpayers over 65, there is an additional standard deduction which can be found on page four of the form. Don’t forget to double-check your information before filing!
Below, we present a table that will help you understand how to fill out Form 1040-SR.
| Information Required for Form 1040-SR | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Individual’s full name |
| Address | Current mailing address |
| Social Security Number | Unique identification number |
| Filing Status | Status indicating the taxpayer’s situation (e.g., Single, Married) |
| Additional Standard Deduction (for taxpayers over 65) | Amount can be found on page four of the form |
Do You Need to File Form 1040-SR Each Year?
Do You Need to File Form 1040-SR Each Year? Form 1040-SR is designed for taxpayers over the age of 65 by the end of the tax year, with no income limit and the option to take an additional standard deduction. Retirees under the age of 65 who still have income from Social Security, pensions, and investments must use Form 1040. It’s not necessary to file Form 1040-SR each year but if you do qualify, it offers larger type, simpler deductions, and more streamlined information to make the job easier.
Download the official IRS Form 1040-SR PDF
On the official IRS website, you will find a link to download Form 1040-SR. However, to make it easier for you, we are providing the link in our article, which comes directly from the official irs.gov website! Click to download: Form 1040-SR
Sources:
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-sr
https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1040gi
