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1040-SR Form for 2020: Instructions & Printable PDF Template

All You Need to Know About 1040-SR Form

Form 1040-SR is designed to provide simplified filing for seniors. It is available to those taxpayers age 65 or older by the end of the tax year. In addition to providing a higher standard deduction, it allows the reporting of income from a greater variety of sources than Form 1040-EZ. 

In general, tax form 1040-SR, though welcome, is not a magic bullet. For one thing, the new form only applies to tax years beginning in 2018. Nevertheless, it is a significant step toward simplifying the filing process for seniors. If you are age 65 or older and have uncomplicated tax situations, filing printable form 1040-SR is likely your best option. If you are not age 65 by the end of the year for which you are filing, you will have to use original and well-known Form 1040. 

But because this form is simpler, it may be a good idea to use it if you're filling out your tax return by hand.

1040-SR Form Instructions & Filling Guide

  • Step 1. Figure Your Total Income. Add your wages, salaries, tips, taxable scholarship or fellowship grants, unemployment compensation, Alaska Permanent Fund dividends, Social Security benefits, distributions from qualified retirement plans, annuities, or similar deferred-payment arrangements, interest, and dividends.
  • Step 2. Figure Your Taxable Income. Subtract any exemptions you may be entitled to claim.
  • Step 3. Fill Out Line 44. Your reduced taxable income from Step 2 is the amount used to figure your additional standard deduction.
  • Step 4. Fill Out All Fields. Use the worksheet in the Form 1040-SR instructions to figure your taxable income, if any. Then, use the worksheet to figure the additional standard deduction you are eligible to receive.
  • Step 5. Sign and Date the Return: Use space for your signature and write today's date above it.
  • Step 6. Attach Your W-2

The standard deduction table has moved to Page 4 for 2020, making it easier to use. There are also new questions relating to virtual currency transactions that must be answered. The IRS is trying to make sure virtual currency transactions, such as Bitcoin purchases, are being reported. 

To sum up, if you are at least age 65 and otherwise meet the requirements, you can use Form 1040-SR printable pdf to file your taxes for the year beginning in the tax year after you reach age 65. If you were born on June 30, 2019, you can use this document when you file your taxes for the year beginning in 2021 and 2022.

Tax Form 1040-SR for 2020 Q&A

  • Q: What are the benefits of filing Form 1040-SR?
    A: It allows seniors to take advantage of a higher standard deduction, which can reduce their gross income and therefore their total tax liability.
  • Q: What are the disadvantages of filing Form 1040-SR printable pdf?
    A: Unfortunately it doesn't allow seniors to itemize deductions.
  • Q: What is the additional standard deduction for seniors?
    A: It depends on a taxpayer's filing status and other factors.
  • Q: Which tax rates apply to Form 1040-SR?
    A: Rates are the same that apply to Form 1040 and 1040-A.
  • Q: What are the new tax brackets for the 2020 tax year?
    A: Taxpayers are subject to 12 marginal tax brackets: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%, and 39.6%.


In addition, the IRS offers free tax preparation assistance for seniors through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. If you have additional questions or concerns about filing your taxes, you can get help from the IRS through the Taxpayer Advocate Service or using our forum.

Are you using IRS Form 1040-SR printable to file your taxes this year? Leave a comment below and let us know.

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