The standard deduction is the slice of your income the government lets you earn tax free before any federal income tax is calculated. Almost every taxpayer takes it, because it lowers your taxable income with no receipts, no record keeping, and no math. The table below shows the 2026 standard deduction amounts for each filing status.
These figures feed directly into your tax bill: the higher your deduction, the less of your income is exposed to tax. They are the same amounts our income tax calculator applies when it estimates what you owe.
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction | Extra if 65+ or Blind (each) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 | $2,050 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,200 | $1,650 |
| Married Filing Separately | $16,100 | $1,650 |
| Head of Household | $24,150 | $2,050 |
The standard deduction is subtracted from income before the tax brackets apply — it is the amount everyone can earn federally tax-free. Filers who are 65 or older or blind add the extra amount once per qualifying condition.
How the standard deduction works
Your taxable income is your total income minus your deductions. The standard deduction is subtracted first, which means the federal brackets only start to apply above that amount. For many households this single subtraction is the largest tax break they receive, and it rises most years to keep pace with inflation, so it is worth checking the current figure rather than relying on last year’s number.
Standard deduction versus itemizing
You can either take the flat standard deduction or itemize, which means adding up specific deductible expenses such as mortgage interest, state and local taxes within the allowed cap, and charitable giving. You choose whichever total is larger, because that is the one that lowers your tax the most. Most filers come out ahead with the standard deduction, but if you own a home or give generously to charity, itemizing can be worth the extra effort.
Extra deduction for age and blindness
Taxpayers who are 65 or older, or who are blind, qualify for an additional amount on top of the standard deduction. If both apply, the extra amount is counted twice. This is one of the most commonly missed tax breaks, so it is worth confirming your eligibility each year.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?
Take whichever is larger. Add up your itemizable expenses such as mortgage interest, state and local taxes within the cap, and charitable gifts. If that total beats the standard deduction, itemize. If not, the standard deduction saves you more.
Does the standard deduction reduce my tax dollar for dollar?
No. It reduces your taxable income, not your tax directly. The saving equals the deduction multiplied by your tax rate. A credit is what reduces your tax dollar for dollar.
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