Standard deduction or itemize: which is right for you?

You get to subtract one of two things from your income before tax is worked out: a flat amount everyone is allowed, or the total of certain expenses you actually paid. You take whichever is larger.

The standard deduction

For 2026 the standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $24,150 for heads of household and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly. Most people take it, and it needs no receipts.

When itemizing can win

• You pay mortgage interest on your home.
• You pay significant property taxes or other state and local taxes, up to the limit the law allows.
• You give substantial amounts to charity.
• You had very large medical bills compared with your income.

How I decide

I work it out both ways and use the one that saves you more. If you think you might itemize, bring your mortgage statement, property tax bill and donation receipts and I will check.

See the other key figures on our tax numbers page.