Standard Deduction

The standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount that reduces your taxable income. A lower taxable income usually means you pay less federal income tax.

Most taxpayers choose the standard deduction because it's simple to claim and often provides a larger tax benefit than itemizing deductions. Your deduction amount depends on your filing status and may increase if you're age 65 or older or legally blind.

2026 Standard Deduction Amounts (Returns Filed in 2027)

For tax year 2026, the standard deduction amounts are:

These amounts automatically reduce your taxable income before your tax is calculated.

Additional Standard Deduction for Age 65 or Older or Blind

If you're age 65 or older or legally blind by the end of the tax year, you may qualify for an additional standard deduction.

A qualifying condition is being:

• Age 65 or older
• Legally blind

If both apply, the additional deduction is doubled. For example, a single taxpayer who is both age 65 and blind may qualify for an additional $4,100 deduction.

For federal tax purposes, you're considered age 65 on the day before your 65th birthday.

Additional Deduction for Certain Seniors (2025-2028)

Federal law provides an additional deduction for eligible taxpayers age 65 and older for tax years 2025 through 2028. This deduction is available whether you claim the standard deduction or itemize deductions.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

• Be age 65 or older by the last day of the tax year.
• Meet the income requirements based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).

Deduction Amount

• $6,000 per eligible taxpayer
• $12,000 for a married couple filing jointly if both spouses qualify

Phaseout Thresholds

The deduction begins to phase out when MAGI exceeds:

• $75,000 for Single filers
• $150,000 for Married Filing Jointly filers

Example

A married couple filing jointly in 2026 where both spouses are age 65 and neither spouse is blind may qualify for:

• Standard deduction: $32,200
• Additional age-based standard deduction: $1,650 × 2 = $3,300
• Senior deduction: $6,000 × 2 = $12,000

Total deductions: $47,500 (before applying any phaseout limits that may apply).

When Can't You Claim the Standard Deduction?

You generally can't claim the standard deduction if:

• You're Married Filing Separately and your spouse itemizes deductions.
• You're a nonresident alien, unless an exception applies.
• You're filing a return for less than 12 months because of an accounting period change.
• You're filing a return for an estate, trust, or partnership.

If any of these situations apply, review the IRS rules carefully before filing.

Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deductions

Most taxpayers benefit from claiming whichever deduction gives them the larger tax break.

Standard Deduction

• Easy to claim
• No need to keep records of deductible expenses
• Chosen by most taxpayers

Itemized Deductions

You may benefit from itemizing if your deductible expenses are higher than your standard deduction. Common itemized deductions include:

• Mortgage interest
• State and local taxes (SALT), subject to federal limits
• Qualified medical and dental expenses
• Charitable contributions

Which Option Should You Choose?

The best choice is the one that lowers your taxable income the most. Tax software can compare your standard deduction and itemized deductions automatically and apply the option that provides the greater tax benefit.

Tip: Even if you've claimed the standard deduction for years, it's worth reviewing your itemized expenses annually. Major life events, buying a home, large medical bills, or significant charitable donations can change which deduction saves you the most on your tax return.