What is the standard deduction?

M1 Team
M1 Team February 12, 2024
Closeup of IRS form 1040 and a pen, with part of a calculator visible.

The standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount set by the IRS that taxpayers can subtract from their gross income to reduce the amount of income subject to taxation.

The IRS gives taxpayers two choices when it comes to lowering their taxable income: choose the standard deduction or itemized deduction. While the standard deduction appeals to those seeking simplicity, itemizing deductions can save more money for taxpayers with substantial qualifying expenses.

How the standard deduction works

Standard deductions are relatively straightforward. Once taxpayers calculate their gross income, they can apply the fixed dollar amount of the standard deduction provided by the IRS. This deduction serves as a direct reduction to their taxable income, offering a simplified method for individuals to ease their tax burden.

The IRS sets different standard deduction amounts based on the taxpayer’s filing status each year. For example, as of the 2023 tax year, the standard deduction for a single filer is $13,850, while for a married couple filing jointly, it is $27,700.

Understanding how standard deductions work involves recognizing their general application. Regardless of specific expenses incurred throughout the year, all eligible taxpayers can benefit from this fixed deduction, providing a baseline reduction to their taxable income.

For example, consider a single filer with a gross income of $50,000. Applying the standard deduction of $13,850, their taxable income reduces to $36,150. This reduction now determines the portion of income subjected to federal income tax, thus minimizing their overall tax liability.

Standard deduction versus itemized deduction

The standard deduction offers a simpler approach for reducing a taxpayer’s taxable income by a fixed amount. It’s a blanket deduction available to all taxpayers, with the amount varying based on filing status.

Itemized deductions require taxpayers to list individual expenses, such as mortgage interest, medical expenses, and charitable contributions. While this can take time and effort, it may be worth it if their total itemized deductions surpass the standard deduction.

Standard deductions for 2022, 2023, and 2024

The amount of your standard deduction depends on the year as well as your tax-filing status.

Filing status2022 standard deduction2023 standard deduction2024 standard deduction
Single$12,950$13,850$14,600
Married, filing separately$12,950$13,850$14,600
Married, filing jointly or widow$25,900$27,700$29,200
Head of household$19,400$20,800$21,900

Additional standard deduction

Some taxpayers such as the blind or elderly (65 or older) can claim a higher standard deduction called an additional standard deduction.

Filing status202220232024
Single or head of household   
65 or older or blindAdd $1,750Add $1,850Add $1,950
65 or older and blindAdd $3,500Add $3,700Add $3,900
Married filing jointly or married filing separately ($ per qualifying individual)   
65 or older or blindAdd $1,400Add $1,500Add $1,550
65 or older and blindAdd $2,800Add $3,000Add $3,100

Standard deduction for dependents

Dependents may get a lower standard deduction. For 2023, dependents can choose between $1,250 or their earned income plus $400. It cannot be more than the maximum standard deduction for the main tax filing.

In 2024, the standard deduction for dependents increases to $1,300, or earned income plus $450. It also cannot be more than the maximum standard deduction for the main tax filing.

Those not eligible for the standard deduction

Not everyone is eligible to claim the standard deduction.

  • A married individual who is filing as married filing separately whose spouse itemizes deductions
  • A nonresident alien or dual status alien
  • Someone who files a return for less than 12 months due to a change in their annual accounting period
  • Filing as an estate or trust

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as tax advice. Speak to a licensed tax professional for tax advice.


Disclosures:

All examples above are hypothetical, do not reflect any specific investments, are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered an offer to buy or sell any products. M1 does not provide any financial advice.  

All investing involves risk, including the risk of losing the money you invest. Brokerage products and services are offered by M1 Finance LLC, Member FINRA / SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of M1 Holdings, Inc.

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