Can I deduct the standard deduction on my tax return?
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| The standard deduction is a
fixed dollar amount that reduces the amount of income on which
you pay tax on your tax return. The amount of the basic standard deduction depends upon your
tax return filing status.
However, if you can be claimed as a dependent on someone elses tax return, your
standard deduction amount may be different. In some cases, the standard deduction
on your tax
return can consist of
two parts, the basic standard deduction, and an additional standard deduction amount for
age, blindness, or both.
If a person is born or dies before the end of his or her tax
year, the tax year is considered to cover a 12-month period.
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| How much is my
standard tax deduction? |
If your
filing status is: |
Your
standard tax deduction is: |
If 65 or
over AND/OR blind add for EACH |
| Single |
$5,150 |
$1,250 |
| Married filing
a joint tax return or
Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child |
$10,300 |
$1,000 |
| Married filing
a separate tax return |
$5,150 |
$1,000 |
| Head of Household |
$7,550 |
$1,250 |
| Dependent Children |
The greater of
$850 OR the amount of
earned income, plus $300. Not to exceed $5,150 unless the dependent is
blind. If blind add $1,250. |
|
 |
| Related tax
information about the standard deduction |
Tax Directory Topics:
Itemized Tax Deductions |
IRS publications about
the standard deduction:
For more information refer to IRS Publication 501, Exemptions
and Standard Deduction and IRS Publication 17, Your Federal
Income Tax. Please read this IMPORTANT
Editor's Note regarding navigating IRS publications with Adobe
Acrobat
Reader.
IRS publications can also be ordered by calling 1-800-829-3676. |
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