Standard Deduction
The no-questions-asked amount you subtract from income before tax is calculated. For 2026 it is $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly.
By Findley's Finance · Last reviewed: September 2026
Why it matters
The standard deduction is why most people should not bother itemizing: unless your mortgage interest, state taxes, and charitable giving add up to more than the standard amount, itemizing wastes your time for zero benefit. Tax planning for regular people mostly means knowing which side of that line you are on — bunching charitable gifts into one year to clear it is a classic move.