The standard deduction is a dollar amount that reduces the amount of income
on which you are taxed. But you cannot take the standard deduction if you
claim itemized deductions.
In general, the basic standard deduction is an amount relative to each
tax year and varies according to your filing status. The standard deduction
of an individual who can be claimed as a dependent on another person's tax
return is the greater of:
- An amount specified by law, or
- The individual's earned income plus a specified amount up to the basic
standard deduction for his or her filing status.
In some cases, your standard deduction can consist of two parts, the basic
standard deduction and additional standard deduction amounts, for age, or
blindness, or both. The additional amount is an amount specified by law and
varies based on your filing status. If you file a separate return and can
claim an exemption for your spouse, you will be allowed any additional amounts
that apply to you or your spouse.
The additional amount for age will be allowed if you are age 65 or older
at the end of the tax year. You are considered to be 65 on the day before
your 65th birthday.
The additional amount for blindness will be allowed if you are blind on
the last day of the tax year.
For example, a single taxpayer who is age 65 and legally blind would be
entitled to a basic standard deduction and an additional standard deduction.
If you or your spouse were 65 or older or blind at the end of the year,
be sure to claim the additional standard deduction amounts by checking the
appropriate boxes on Form 1040A (PDF) or Form 1040 (PDF). The additional standard deduction amounts
cannot be claimed on Form 1040EZ.
Certain individuals are not entitled to the standard deduction. They are:
- A married individual filing a separate return whose spouse itemizes deductions,
- An individual who was a nonresident alien or dual status alien during
any part of the year, or
- An individual who files a return for a period of less than 12 months due
to a change in his or her annual accounting cycle.
For more information, refer to Publication 501, Exemptions,
Standard Deduction, and Filing Information.
