What Is the Standard Deduction for 2025-2026?

Additional standard deduction: Did you know that the IRS allows individuals who are age 65 and older and/or are blind to take an additional standard deduction? If this applies to you or your spouse, be sure to check the appropriate boxes on your Form 1040. See IRS topic #551: Standard deduction for more information.

A new deduction for seniors under OBBBA  

On top of the existing additional standard deduction for qualifying seniors, OBBBA provides a new deduction of $6,000 for those who are age 65 and older.

Per the IRS, effective for 2025 through 2028, this new deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers (the taxpayer must attain age 65 on or before the last day of the taxable year).

Key highlights:

• The $6,000 senior deduction is available to each eligible individual (or $12,000 total for a married couple where both spouses qualify).
• Deduction begins to phase out for seniors with modified adjusted gross income over $75,000 (or $150,000 for joint filers).

For more details, visit IRS.gov or talk to a tax professional.

Claiming the standard deduction

Generally, you can claim deductions on your federal tax return in one of two ways. You can use the standard deduction or you can itemize your deductions.

But not everyone may take the standard deduction. For example, taxpayers who choose to itemize their deductions (this is when you list and add up your eligible deductions one by one) cannot claim the standard deduction. The IRS also provides the following list of taxpayers who are not eligible:

• A married individual filing as "married filing separately" whose spouse itemizes deductions.
• An individual who was a nonresident alien or dual status alien during the year (certain exceptions may apply).
• An individual who files a return for a period of less than 12 months due to a change in his or her annual accounting period.
• You are filing as an estate or trust, common trust fund, or partnership.

When it comes to choosing between taking the standard deduction or itemizing your deductions, individuals typically choose the deduction method that provides the largest reduction to their taxable income.

But taxes are complicated, and each person’s tax situation is different. If you have questions, it’s a good idea to consult a tax professional to determine the best way to file your returns.