Forms to File: A Comprehensive List of Tax Forms for Senior Citizens (2025 Tax Year)

Part 1: Forms You RECEIVE in the Mail (Information Returns)

These are not forms you fill out. These are informational documents sent to you (and the IRS) by various payers. You use the data from these forms to prepare your tax return. Expect them to arrive in January or early February.

Form SSA-1099: Social Security Benefit Statement

This is one of the most important forms for retirees. It comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and shows the total amount of Social Security benefits you received during the year. You’ll need this to calculate if any of your benefits are taxable.

Form 1099-R: Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement Plans, or IRAs

If you received payments from a pension, annuity, 401(k), or IRA, you’ll get a Form 1099-R from each payer. It shows the total distribution and, crucially, how much of it is taxable income.

Form 1099-INT & Form 1099-DIV

You’ll receive Form 1099-INT for interest income from banks and other financial institutions. You’ll receive Form 1099-DIV for dividend income from stocks and mutual funds.

Form 1099-B: Proceeds From Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions

If you sold stocks, bonds, or other securities, your brokerage firm will send you a Form 1099-B. This form reports the sales proceeds and is used to calculate your capital gains or losses on Schedule D.

Part 2: Forms You FILE with the IRS (Your Tax Return)

These are the forms you (or your tax preparer) will fill out and send to the IRS. The main form is your tax return, and the others are “schedules” you attach if needed.

Form 1040-SR: U.S. Tax Return for Seniors

This is the primary tax return for taxpayers age 65 and older. It mirrors the standard Form 1040 but features larger print and a convenient chart for calculating the higher senior standard deduction, making it much easier to read and use.

Schedule A: Itemized Deductions

You will use this form if you choose to itemize your deductions instead of taking the standard deduction. This is where you list expenses like high medical costs, state and local taxes, and charitable contributions.

Schedule R: Credit for the Elderly or Disabled

If you have a low income, you must file this form to claim the valuable Credit for the Elderly or Disabled. This credit directly reduces the tax you owe.

Other Common Schedules: B and D

You will likely need Schedule B if your interest or dividend income is over $1,500. You will need Schedule D to report the capital gains and losses from the sale of investments listed on your Form 1099-B.

Part 3: Forms for Smart PLANNING During the Year

These forms aren’t filed with your return, but are used during the year to manage your tax withholding and avoid a surprise tax bill.

Form W-4P: Withholding for Pensions or Annuities

Give this form to your pension or annuity payer to tell them how much federal income tax to withhold from your payments.

Form W-4V: Voluntary Withholding for Social Security

Withholding on Social Security is optional, but it’s a smart strategy. You can use this form to ask the SSA to withhold a flat percentage (7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%) from your monthly benefits to cover your taxes.