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Personal Tax4 min readMar 17, 2026
What Is the Standard Deduction and Should You Take It?
The standard deduction is taken by over 90% of taxpayers. But should you? Here's how to decide between the standard deduction and itemizing.
Standard Deduction Guide
2025 Standard Deduction Amounts
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction | |---|---| | Single | $15,000 | | Married Filing Jointly | $30,000 | | Married Filing Separately | $15,000 | | Head of Household | $22,500 |
Additional Amounts (Age 65+ or Blind)
- Additional $1,600 per qualifying person (single/HOH)
- Additional $1,300 per qualifying person (MFJ/MFS)
When to Itemize
Itemize when your deductions exceed your standard deduction:
- High mortgage interest
- High state and local taxes
- Large charitable donations
- Significant medical expenses
- Casualty and theft losses from federally declared disasters
The Math
Add up your potential itemized deductions:
- Mortgage interest (Form 1098)
- Property taxes (up to $10,000 SALT)
- Charitable contributions
- Medical expenses over 7.5% AGI
If the total exceeds your standard deduction, itemize.
Why Most People Take the Standard Deduction
The TCJA nearly doubled the standard deduction in 2018, causing over 90% of taxpayers to stop itemizing.
Not sure which is better for you? We'll run the numbers both ways and choose the one that saves you more.