All About Standard Tax Deduction

What determine the amount of standard tax deduction?

The standard tax deduction depends on:

1. your tax filing status
2. whether you are 65 or older and/or blind
3. whether you can be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer's return.

How to figure out standard deduction amount?

To figure out the standard deduction amount you can use one of the following tables:

1. Standard Deduction Chart for Most People
2. Standard Deduction Chart for People Born Before January 2, 1942, or Who are Blind, or
3. Standard Deduction Worksheet for Dependents

How to claim larger standard deduction?

If you were born before January 2, 1942 and/or are blind and are not claimed as a dependent on another tax return, you are entitled to a higher standard deduction. Complete line 39a on the tax form 1040.

Also, if you are married filing jointly, then you can claim larger standard deduction than if you were filing married filing separately or as a single taxpayer or a head of household.

Who is not eligible to take the standard deduction?

Most taxpayers have a choice of either taking the standard deduction or itemizing their deductions. You are not eligible to take the standard deduction if:

• you are married and filing a separate return AND your spouse itemized deductions, or
• you are a nonresident or dual status alien during the year

Where to claim deductions if I am not qualified to take standard deduction?

When you cannot claim the standard deduction, you must complete line 39b on page 2 of the form 1040.