A larger standard deduction is provided for persons who are age 65 or over or who are blind. The larger deduction for blindness is allowed regardless of age.
For purposes of the 2012 standard deduction, blindness and age are determined as of December 31, 2012. However, if your 65th birthday is January 1, 2013, the IRS treats you as reaching age 65 on the last day of 2012, allowing you to claim on your 2012 return the additional standard deduction for those age 65 or older.
If you are age 65 or older or blind for 2012, you may claim an additional standard deduction of $1,450 if you file as a single person or head of household, or $1,150 if your filing status is married filing jointly, married filing separately, or qualifying widow(er). Keep in mind that if you are married filing separately, you are allowed to claim any standard deduction only if your spouse also claims the standard deduction on his or her own return (13.2).
You can use Worksheet 13-1 to figure your standard deduction for 2012.
Worksheet 13-1 Standard Deduction if 65 or Older or Blind
Check applicable boxes | ||
65 or older | Blind | |
Yourself | ![]() |
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Your spouse if you file a joint return | ![]() |
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Your spouse if you file separately and can claim an exemption for your spouse (21.2) | ![]() |
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Total checks_____ |
1. | Enter your basic standard deduction: Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er)—$11,900 Head of household—$8,700 Single or married filing separately—$5,950 |
$ _________ |
2. | Multiply the number of checks above by: $1,450 if you are single or head of household $1,150 if you are married filing jointly, married filing separately, or a qualifying widow(er) |
_________ |
3. | Add Lines 1 and 2. This is your standard deduction for 2012. | _________ |
18.191.192.241