If you are 65 or older, we want you to know something right away: Tax Season 2026 brings some changes that may actually work in your favor.
At Molimar Tax Consulting Service, many of our senior clients ask the same questions every year:
“Did the rules change again?”
“Am I still allowed to take the senior deduction?”
“Why does my neighbor owe less than me?”
So let’s talk — calmly, clearly, and without IRS confusion.
A New Deduction Just for Seniors
This year, there is a new temporary deduction designed specifically for seniors.
If you are 65 or older, you may qualify for an extra $6,000 deduction.
If you are married filing jointly and both spouses are 65 or older, that amount can be $12,000.
This is in addition to the standard deduction and the regular extra amount seniors already receive. When our senior clients hear this, the first thing they ask is, “Is that real?” — and yes, it is, if you qualify.
Like many tax benefits, there are income limits. If your income is above certain levels, the deduction may be reduced or phased out. That’s why we review every senior return carefully at Molimar — because these details matter.
Standard Deductions Are Higher in 2026
Even if you don’t qualify for the new senior deduction, there is still good news.
The IRS increased the standard deduction for 2026, which helps many seniors automatically. Most of our senior clients take the standard deduction, so this increase alone can lower taxable income.
Here’s what the standard deduction looks like this year:
- Single or Married Filing Separately: $16,100
- Married Filing Jointly: $32,200
- Head of Household: $24,150
When you come into Molimar, we always check whether the standard deduction or itemizing gives you the best result — we don’t assume.
You May Hear About a New Form: Schedule 1-A
Some of our clients get nervous when they hear “new form.” Don’t worry — that’s our job.
For 2026, the IRS introduced Schedule 1-A, which is used to claim certain new deductions, including the new senior deduction.
The important thing for seniors to know is this:
You can still take the standard deduction and use Schedule 1-A if it applies to you.
You don’t need to understand the form — you just need someone who knows when and how to use it. That’s where experience matters.
The Regular Age 65+ Deduction Is Still There
We want to be very clear about this, because it’s a common concern:
The regular senior deduction for being 65 or older did not go away.
You may still receive:
- The standard deduction
- The extra senior amount
- The new senior deduction (if eligible)
At Molimar Tax Consulting Service, we look at the full picture — your age, income, filing status, and benefits — before we finalize anything.
What About Social Security?
Many of our senior clients live on Social Security, or Social Security plus a small pension or part-time income.
Social Security rules change from time to time, but the big thing to remember is this:
Your Social Security is not automatically taxed.
Whether part of it becomes taxable depends on your total income. Two seniors receiving the same benefit can have very different tax results, and that’s normal.
This is why we always say: comparing yourself to a friend or neighbor is not helpful — your situation is unique.
A Simple Example We See Often
We see this scenario all the time at our office:
A senior client is retired, but:
- Takes small withdrawals from retirement
- Works a few hours a week
- Receives Social Security
With the higher standard deduction, the regular senior deduction, and the new senior deduction (when eligible), taxable income can be much lower than expected.
That’s why we tell our senior clients: don’t panic before you file — let us look at it first.
What We Ask Our Senior Clients to Bring In
To make your visit easy, bring what applies to you:
- Social Security SSA-1099
- Pension or retirement forms (1099-R)
- Any W-2 or 1099 income
- Interest or dividend statements
- Health insurance information (if applicable)
- A valid ID
- Last year’s tax return (helpful, not required)
We’ll take it from there.
Final Thoughts From Us
Tax rules change often, and we understand how frustrating that can feel — especially in retirement, when you want things to be predictable.
Our role at Molimar Tax Consulting Service is not to rush you or confuse you. It’s to:
- Explain things clearly
- Apply the law correctly
- Protect you from mistakes
- Make sure you receive every deduction you qualify for
We’re Here When You’re Ready
If you are 65 or older and have questions about your 2026 taxes, we’re happy to help — whether you’ve been with us for years or this is your first visit.
Molimar Tax Consulting Service
📍 7411 Riggs Rd, Suite 218
Hyattsville, MD 20783
📞 301-434-5677
🌐 molimartaxservice.com
