Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Older adults and the professionals who support them can benefit from understanding new tax updates, available credits, common scams, and free assistance options. New tax provisions rolling out in 2026 bring changes that could offer real support to older adults, including expanded deductions and other adjustments that might increase savings. With fraud prevention efforts expanding and free tax support widely available, older adults have many options to help guide them through the season with confidence.
New Tax Relief Opportunities for Older Adults
Older adults may qualify for several tax benefits that were not available last year. The FY2026 Budget Bill, HR1 adds an additional senior deduction that now applies retroactively to the 2025 tax year and continues forward. Along with this change, the IRS has increased the standard deduction for 2026, reflecting both inflation adjustments and the new law.
Eligible individuals may also qualify for the Credit for the Elderly or Disabled, offering further tax relief. In addition, medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income can be deducted if itemized, which helps offset rising healthcare costs.
Navigating Social Security Taxability
Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on a person’s total income. When adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest, and half of Social Security benefits exceed federal thresholds, up to 85% of those benefits may be subject to tax. For older adults who are still working, the IRS recommends checking wage withholding to prevent surprises at tax time. A tax professional can help clarify individual situations and ensure everything is filed correctly. Older adults can also access SSA‑1099 or SSA‑1042S forms and other benefit information through their My Social Security online accounts.
Preventing Fraud During Tax Season
Scammers continue to get more sophisticated and everyone can benefit from staying up to date on the latest fraudulent trends. A key fact to remember is that the IRS will NEVER call, text, or email asking for immediate payment. Messages that pressure individuals to act quickly or promise large refunds should be treated with caution. Additionally, scammers are now using AI tools to create highly realistic messages and impersonations that make fraudulent tax communications harder to spot. Staying alert can help prevent financial harm.
Free and Reliable Tax Assistance
Although the IRS Direct File pilot is no longer available for the 2026 tax season, free tax assistance remains available in Illinois for qualifying individuals. Programs such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) provide IRS-certified help with tax preparation. AARP Tax-Aide also offers support for individuals aged 50 and older with moderate incomes. These services can simplify the tax filing process and ensure accurate submissions. Find a provider nearby using an online Site Locator tool.
If you need further help, please contact AgeGuide’s local Information & Assistance partners.
Filing with Confidence
The federal filing deadline for 2026 is April 15. By staying informed and using free assistance and resources, older adults and aging professionals can move through the 2026 tax season with confidence.
Additional Resources:
Understanding New Tax Updates
IRS Tax Guide for Seniors
Forms & instructions | Internal Revenue Service
Avoiding Common Scams
