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The Daily Insight

What is total standard deduction?

Author

Emma Jordan

Published May 20, 2026

The standard tax deduction is a flat amount that the tax system lets you deduct, no questions asked. Tax deductions allow individuals and companies to subtract certain expenses from their taxable income, which reduces their overall tax bill. That flat amount is called a “standard deduction.”

What are federal standard deductions?

The standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that reduces your taxable income. In 2020 the standard deduction is $12,400 for single filers and married filing separately, $24,800 for married filing jointly and $18,650 for head of household.

How is the amount of the standard deduction determined?

The amount of your standard deduction depends on your taxpayer filing status, your age, and whether you are disabled or claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.

What is the standard deduction for the IRS for 2020?

Standard Deduction Exception Summary for Tax Year 2020. If you are age 65 or older, your standard deduction increases by $1,650 if you file as Single or Head of Household. If you are legally blind, your standard deduction increases by $1,650.

What’s the standard deduction for Head of Household?

If you are age 65 or older, your standard deduction increases by $1,650 if you file as Single or Head of Household. If you are legally blind, your standard deduction increases by $1,650. If you are Married Filing Jointly and you OR your spouse is 65 or older, your standard deduction increases by $1,300.

Are there limits to standard deductions for dependents?

Limits to the Standard Deduction. Dependents: Your standard deduction may be reduced if you are claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return. If you were another person’s dependent during a Tax Year, your standard deduction will generally be limited to the greater of $1,050 or your earned income plus $350.