Changes to the standard deduction
Major tax reform that affects individuals — including changes to the standard deduction — was enacted in December 2017. This means that many people will no longer itemize their deductions and will have a simpler time filing their taxes.
The standard deduction is a dollar amount that reduces the amount of income on which you are taxed and varies according to your filing status. Most people have the choice of either taking a standard deduction or itemizing. If you qualify for the standard deduction
and your standard deduction is more than your total itemized deductions, you should claim the standard deduction in most cases. This means you won’t need to file a Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions, with your tax return.
The standard deduction for each filing status is:
• Single
o $12,000 (up from $6,350 in 2017)
• Married filing jointly, Qualifying widow(er)
o $24,000 (up from $12,700 in 2017)
• Married filing separately
o $12,000 (up from $6,350 in 2017)
• Head of household
o $18,000 (up from $9,350 in 2017)
The amounts are higher if you or your spouse are blind or over age 65.
For additional information about tax changes, see Publication 5307, Tax Reform Basics for Individuals and Families.