The standard deduction is a flat amount you can subtract from your income with no receipts or paperwork required.
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| Single | $15,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $30,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $15,000 |
| Head of Household | $22,500 |
An additional amount is available for filers who are 65+ or blind — typically around $1,550–$2,000 extra per qualifying condition, depending on filing status.
Add up your itemizable expenses (mortgage interest, SALT up to the cap, charitable donations, qualifying medical expenses). If that total exceeds your standard deduction, itemize. Otherwise, take the standard deduction — it's simpler and usually the better choice for most filers since the 2017 tax law nearly doubled it.
See exactly how the standard deduction affects your tax.
Use the Federal Income Tax Calculator →These reflect our best estimate of 2025 IRS inflation-adjusted figures. Verify with the IRS before filing.