Quick Answer
The 2026 standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers, $30,000 for married filing jointly, $22,500 for head of household, and $15,000 for married filing separately. These amounts are $750-$1,500 higher than 2025 due to inflation adjustments. About 87% of taxpayers use the standard deduction.
Best Answer
Robert Kim, CPA
Best answer for all taxpayers wanting to understand 2026 standard deduction amounts
2026 standard deduction amounts
The standard deduction for 2026 (returns filed in 2027) has increased from 2025 due to inflation adjustments. Here are the amounts based on your filing status:
Single or Married Filing Separately: $15,000
Married Filing Jointly: $30,000
Head of Household: $22,500
These represent increases of approximately $750-$1,500 from 2025 levels, reflecting inflation adjustments the IRS makes annually according to the Consumer Price Index.
Complete 2026 standard deduction table
Additional standard deduction for age 65+ and blindness
If you're 65 or older, or blind, you get an additional standard deduction:
Single or Head of Household: Extra $1,950
Married (per spouse): Extra $1,550
These additional amounts apply per qualifying condition. For example, a married couple where both spouses are 65+ gets an extra $3,100 total ($1,550 × 2).
Example calculations with additional deductions
Single filer, age 67:
Married filing jointly, both spouses 66 and one is blind:
How the standard deduction works
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income dollar-for-dollar. It's applied automatically when you file your tax return unless you choose to itemize deductions instead.
Example: Single filer with $65,000 income
This saves you approximately $1,800-$3,600 in federal taxes depending on your tax bracket (12% to 24% for most middle-income earners).
Key changes for 2026
Who should know these amounts
Understanding your standard deduction helps you:
What you should do
Use these standard deduction amounts to estimate your 2026 tax situation. If you think your itemized deductions might exceed these thresholds, gather documentation for mortgage interest, charitable donations, state and local taxes, and medical expenses.
Our refund estimator can help you calculate your expected refund using the correct 2026 standard deduction amounts.
Key takeaway: The 2026 standard deduction is $15,000 (single), $30,000 (married jointly), with additional amounts for age 65+ ($1,950 single, $1,550 married per spouse) and blindness.
Key Takeaway: 2026 standard deduction amounts are $15,000 (single), $30,000 (married filing jointly), $22,500 (head of household), with extra deductions for age 65+ and blindness.
2026 standard deduction amounts by filing status
| Filing Status | 2026 Standard Deduction | Additional Deduction (Age 65+) | Additional Deduction (Blind) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $15,000 | $1,950 | $1,950 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $30,000 | $1,550 per spouse | $1,550 per spouse |
| Married Filing Separately | $15,000 | $1,550 | $1,550 |
| Head of Household | $22,500 | $1,950 | $1,950 |
More Perspectives
Robert Kim, CPA
Best for basic W-2 employees who want to understand how the standard deduction affects their taxes
Standard deduction basics for W-2 employees
As a W-2 employee, the standard deduction is probably your best friend. It's a flat amount the IRS lets you subtract from your income before calculating taxes — no receipts or documentation required.
For 2026, you get:
How it saves you money
Example: Single, $55,000 salary
Without the standard deduction, you'd pay taxes on the full $55,000.
Why most employees use the standard deduction
Unless you have major expenses like:
...the standard deduction is almost certainly larger than what you could itemize. About 87% of taxpayers use it.
Key takeaway: W-2 employees get an automatic $15,000-$30,000 deduction that reduces taxable income — no paperwork required.
Key Takeaway: The standard deduction automatically reduces your taxable income by $15,000 (single) or $30,000 (married), saving most W-2 employees $1,800-$7,200 in federal taxes.
Robert Kim, CPA
Best for homeowners who need to understand standard deduction amounts to compare against itemizing
Standard deduction vs. homeowner expenses
As a homeowner, you need to know the 2026 standard deduction amounts to decide whether itemizing your mortgage interest, property taxes, and other expenses is worth it.
The benchmark amounts:
Your itemized deductions must exceed these amounts to be beneficial.
Common homeowner deductions to compare
Mortgage interest: Often your largest deduction
Property taxes: Combined with state income taxes (capped at $10,000 total)
Mortgage insurance premiums: May be deductible
Charitable donations: Added to the total
Example: Should this couple itemize?
Married couple, $95,000 combined income:
Result: Take the standard deduction — it's $1,500 larger.
When homeowners should itemize in 2026
You'll likely benefit from itemizing if:
Many homeowners who itemized before 2018 now use the standard deduction due to the doubled amounts and the SALT cap.
Key takeaway: Homeowners need itemized deductions exceeding $15,000-$30,000 to beat the standard deduction — many no longer qualify due to higher thresholds and the SALT cap.
Key Takeaway: Homeowners should compare their mortgage interest plus capped SALT deductions ($10,000) plus charitable giving against the standard deduction to determine the better option.
Sources
- IRS Publication 501 — Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-59 — 2026 Tax Year Inflation Adjustments
Related Questions
Reviewed by Robert Kim, CPA on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.