CashoutGlossary / Standard deduction
Standard deduction
A flat amount that lowers income subject to income tax if you don't itemize: for 2026, $16,100 single and $32,200 married filing jointly.
The standard deduction is a fixed amount you subtract from your income before income tax is figured, instead of listing itemized deductions. For 2026 it is:
- Single or married filing separately: $16,100
- Married filing jointly: $32,200
- Head of household: $24,150
If you're 65 or older or blind, the 2026 additional amount is $2,050 if unmarried or $1,650 if married, for each. Separately, people born before January 2, 1962 may qualify for the enhanced deduction for seniors on Schedule 1-A.
For tipped workers the key point is that No Tax on Tips stacks on top. The tips deduction is available whether you take the standard deduction or itemize, so you don't give one up to get the other. On the 2026 draft Form 1040, the standard deduction is line 12e and Schedule 1-A deductions are line 13a.
Common mistake: assuming it lowers every tax. It reduces income tax only. It doesn't touch FICA on your paycheck or self-employment tax, which Schedule SE figures straight from your business profit. And if you're married filing separately and your spouse itemizes, you can't take it.
Related terms
Itemized deduction · Tax bracket · Form 1040 · Schedule 1-A
