As I explain here , Tax Policy Center researchers calculate that 16.7 million elderly households will pay no tax in 2011 because of those two breaks and a special low income creditfortheelderly.
You may not itemize deductions on a form 1040-A. You may claim some credits using the form 1040-A, including the child tax credit, education credits, earned income credit, creditfor child and dependent care expenses, creditfortheelderly or the disabled and the American Opportunity Credit.