United States

Maximizing retirement income: Tax deductions and benefits for senior citizens

Boosting retirement income is crucial due to fixed incomes and increasing expenses. To achieve this goal, leveraging tax credits and senior citizen benefits is the most effective solution

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Retirement income for senior citizens (Representational image)
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Retirement is that period when you no longer have to work full-time to run errands. The period of retirement is a golden time in an individual's life and they can use it to its optimum. However, with retirement, the fear of financial uncertainty also kicks in. Hence, it is essential to have effective retirement planning. 

Maximising the retirement income is important because of fixed incomes and rising costs and in order to achieve this, the best solution is to utilise the tax credits and senior citizen benefits.

Deduction of Tax for Senior Citizens 

Senior citizens can claim n number of tax deductions. Some of these tax deduction includes the following: 

1. Long-term care insurance premiums

One of the biggest advantages a senior citizen can have is that the cost of long-term care insurance premiums is deductible for seniors. Further, these sorts of ensurances also cover the price of long-term care including a nursing home or assisted living facility. 

2. Medical Expenses 

Senior citizens who have medical expenses exceeding 7.5percent of their adjusted gross income may deduct them. In addition, the cost of hospital care, prescription drugs, and doctor's visits is included.

3. Property Tax Relief

Individuals who have just stepped into their retirement phase may find paying the property tax a challenge. Hence, to avoid this stress, various American states run property tax relief programs for seniors. This program includes freezing of assessments or lower tax rates for those over a certain age.


What are tax benefits for senior citizens?

Apart from tax deductions, senior citizens can also avail a bunch of tax benefits. These benefits include: 

Standard Deduction

Even seniors who itemize their deductions can take the standard deduction. A senior citizen's standard deduction is higher than a young taxpayer's standard deduction.

Higher Basic Exemption Limit

Among other benefits, the senior citizen can also avail higher basic exemption limit than those who are in their young age. 

As a senior citizen, one can avail of these advantages to maximize their retirement income and enjoy a more comfortable retirement.