What is the standard deduction for 2026?
For tax year 2026, the standard deduction amounts are:
- Single / Married Filing Separately: $16,100
- Married Filing Jointly / Surviving Spouses: $32,200
- Head of Household: $24,150
These figures reflect the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which made the higher standard deductions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent and added inflation adjustments on top. The OBBBA prevented the standard deduction from reverting to pre-2018 levels, which would have roughly halved it for most filers.
How this compares to 2025:
| Filing Status | 2025 (OBBBA) | 2026 (OBBBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $15,750 | $16,100 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $31,500 | $32,200 |
| Head of Household | $23,625 | $24,150 |
Because the standard deduction is so high, the majority of Americans (roughly 90%) take it instead of itemizing. You should only itemize if your deductible expenses — mortgage interest, state and local taxes, charitable contributions, etc. — exceed these thresholds.
Tip: If you are 65 or older, or legally blind, you can add an additional amount to the standard deduction. For 2026, the additional amount is $1,600 for married individuals and $2,000 for single/head of household filers.
Sources
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