Standard Deduction 2026 Amounts Are Here
What is the new standard deduction for your filing status in 2026?
The IRS has released the 2026 standard deduction amounts you’ll use for your 2026 tax return — and they're higher than ever.
The federal tax agency adjusts these amounts for each filing status every year. Since these adjustments are based on inflation and given the key tax changes in the 2025 Trump/GOP tax overhaul, the standard deduction is higher for 2026 than in recent years.
Knowing the standard deduction for your status can help you determine whether you should plan to itemize or claim the standard deduction next year.
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Here's more to know.
The standard deduction amount for 2026 (Returns normally filed in 2027)
Married, Filing Jointly and Surviving Spouses | $32,200 | Increase of $700 from the prior tax year |
Single and Married, Filing Separately | $16,100 | Increase of $350 from the prior tax year |
Heads of Household | $24,150 | Increase of $525 from the prior tax year |
2026 standard deduction age 65 and older
Taxpayers age 65 and older, as well as those who are blind, can claim an additional standard deduction. For 2026, that additional amount is $1,650 ($2,050 if unmarried and not a surviving spouse).
Those eligible can add the extra standard deduction to the regular amount for their filing status. A single taxpayer 65 or older (or who is blind) can claim a total standard deduction of $18,150 on their 2026 federal tax return.
Additionally, as Kiplinger has reported, the 2025 Trump tax bill introduces a new bonus standard deduction of $6,000 for those age 65 and older.
This can be added to the 2026 standard deduction for each eligible individual and can be claimed by those who itemize.
However, the "bonus" amount is temporary and phases out for incomes above certain thresholds.
Standard deduction if you're claimed as a dependent
Your standard deduction amount might differ if you can be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s federal tax return.
The 2026 standard deduction for dependents is limited to either $1,350 or the sum of $450 and the dependent’s earned income, whichever is greater.
Note: The standard deduction for dependents cannot exceed the regular standard deduction for your filing status, even if your earned income is higher than the basic standard deduction amount.
What's the highest standard deduction amount possible?
Given the new senior bonus deduction, the existing extra standard deduction for those over age 65, and changes to the base standard deduction, the highest possible 2026 standard deduction amount is a whopping $47,500.
That amount is for married couples filing jointly who are both age 65 or older, qualify for the bonus deduction, and can claim the extra standard deduction for both spouses.
For more information on how to calculate your total standard deduction, see: The Extra Standard Deduction for People Age 65 and Older.
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