# The Standard Tax Deduction for 2025-2026
The IRS raised standard deduction amounts for the 2025 tax year, giving most filers a larger break on taxable income. Single filers now claim $14,600, while married couples filing jointly receive $29,200. Head of household filers get $21,900. These increases mean you reduce your taxable income by these amounts before calculating what you owe.
For most taxpayers, taking the standard deduction beats itemizing deductions. You simply subtract this amount from your gross income, lowering your tax bill automatically. The IRS adjusts these figures annually for inflation, which explains the bump from 2024 levels.
Older adults receive even larger deductions. If you're 65 or older, you add an extra $1,850 to the standard deduction if single, or $1,500 if married filing jointly and 65 or older (both spouses). Age 75 or older? You get the same boost again.
The standard deduction applies differently based on your filing status. Married couples filing separately get $14,600 each. Qualifying widows and widowers can use the married filing jointly amount for two years after their spouse's death.
You cannot claim the standard deduction if you're a dependent claimed on someone else's return, unless you earned income and that income exceeds a threshold. Nonresident aliens also face different rules.
Filing your taxes becomes simpler when you use the standard deduction. You skip the detailed record-keeping that itemizing requires. No need to track medical expenses, charitable donations, or mortgage interest unless those expenses exceed your standard deduction threshold.
The IRS releases updated deduction amounts each October for the following tax year. These 2025-2026 figures apply to returns filed in 2025 (covering