Senior Tax Filing for 2025: A Last-Minute Checklist for the October 15th Extension Deadline

The Final Stretch: Your Step-by-Step Filing Checklist

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and accurate filing process before the October deadline.

Step 1: Gather ALL Your 2024 Income Statements

You can’t file without the right paperwork. Go through your files and locate all the informational forms you received at the beginning of 2025. The most common forms for seniors include:

• Form SSA-1099: Shows your total Social Security benefits for 2024.
• Form 1099-R: Details distributions from pensions, annuities, IRAs, or 401(k)s.
• Form 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B: Show interest, dividend, and investment sale information.
• W-2s or 1099s: If you had any income from a job or self-employment.

Step 2: Maximize Your Deductions & Credits

Even if you’re in a hurry, don’t skip this step. Taking the right deductions and credits is key to lowering your tax bill.

• Decide on Your Deduction: First, remember your higher senior standard deduction. Compare that amount to your potential itemized deductions. If your itemized total is higher, you should itemize.
• Itemized Deduction Checklist: Did you have high medical expenses (including Medicare premiums)? Did you pay significant property taxes? Did you make charitable contributions? Add these up to see if they beat your standard deduction.
• Check for Credits: Review your eligibility for the Credit for the Elderly or Disabled using Schedule R. It’s a valuable credit for low-income seniors.

Step 3: Choose Your Filing Method

You have several options to get your return filed by October 15th:

• Tax Preparation Software: Services like TurboTax or H&R Block are fast and guide you through the process. Most support Form 1040-SR for seniors.
• IRS Free File: If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is below a certain threshold, you can use guided tax software for free through the IRS website.
• Tax Professional: If you feel overwhelmed, a CPA or Enrolled Agent can ensure your return is done correctly, but you must act quickly as their schedules fill up near the extension deadline.

Step 4: Review, E-File, and Choose Direct Deposit

E-filing is the best option. It is the fastest, most secure way to file, and you get confirmation that the IRS has received your return almost immediately. When you file, if you are due a refund, be sure to choose direct deposit to get your money quickly and safely deposited into your bank account.

Step 5: Address Your Tax Bill (If You Owe)

This is critical. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. Your 2024 tax payment was due on April 15, 2025. If you haven’t paid what you estimate you owe, you have been accumulating interest and penalties. Pay as much as you can as soon as possible to stop these charges from growing. You can pay directly on the IRS website via IRS Direct Pay.

What NOT to Do Before the Deadline

• DON’T miss the October 15 deadline. The failure-to-file penalty is much harsher than the failure-to-pay penalty.
• DON’T guess at numbers. Use the documents you gathered in Step 1.
• DON’T forget to sign your return. If filing by mail, an unsigned return is an invalid return. (E-filing handles this with a digital signature).