The IRS released the 2026 standard deduction amounts you’ll use for your 2026 tax return — and they're higher than ever.
The IRS adjusts these amounts for each filing status every year. Since these adjustments are based on inflation, the standard deduction is higher for 2026 compared with last year. The increased standard deduction amount was recently made permanent under the 2025 GOP spending bill, also referred to by some as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB).
Knowing the standard deduction amount for your status can help you determine whether you should plan to itemize or claim the standard deduction next year.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Here's more to know.
For information on the current standard deduction, see: What's the 2025 Standard Deduction?
What is the new standard deduction amount for 2026? (Returns normally filed in 2027)
The IRS has just announced that the standard deduction amounts are increasing between $350 and $700 from the 2025 numbers.
Below are the 2026 amounts:
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 will be $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 OBBB introduces a new bonus standard deduction of $6,000 for those age 65 and older. This might be added per eligible individual to the additional standard deduction for 2026; however, the "bonus" amount is temporary and phases out for incomes above certain thresholds. (It's also available for those who itemize.)
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?
The standard deduction is adjusted for inflation each year, and the OBBB further increased those amounts in 2025. The new law also introduced a $6,000 temporary bonus deduction for qualifying adults age 65 and older ($12,000 if both spouses qualify).
For 2026, the IRS is raising the standard deduction amount from anywhere from $350 to $700. The extra standard deduction has been increased by $50.
This brings the highest possible 2026 standard deduction amount to $47,500. This amount is for married, filing jointly couples who are both age 65 and 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.
Read More
-
I'm want to give my 3 grandkids $5K each for Christmas.You're comfortably retired and want to give your grandkids a big Christmas check, but their parents are worried they might spend it all. We ask the pros for help.
-
If You're Not Doing Roth Conversions, You Need to Read ThisRoth conversions and other Roth strategies can be complex, but don't dismiss these tax planning tools outright. They could really work for you and your heirs.
-
Could Traditional Retirement Expectations Be Killing Us?A retirement psychologist makes the case: A fulfilling retirement begins with a blueprint for living, rather than simply the accumulation of a large nest egg.
-
5 Types of Gifts the IRS Won’t Tax: Even If They’re BigGift Tax Several categories of gifts don’t count toward annual gift tax limits. Here's what you need to know.
-
The 'Scrooge' Strategy: How to Turn Your Old Junk Into a Tax DeductionTax Deductions We break down the IRS rules for non-cash charitable contributions. Plus, here's a handy checklist before you donate to charity this year.
-
IRS Says You Made a Tax Return Mistake? A New Law Could Help You Fight BackTax Law Updated taxpayer protections change what the IRS must explain on error notices and how long you have to respond.
-
Tax Refund Alert: House GOP Predicts 'Average' $1,000 Payouts in 2026Tax Refunds Here's how the IRS tax refund outlook for 2026 is changing and what steps you can take now to prepare.
-
New IRS Changes to FSA Contribution Limits for 2026: What to KnowHealth Care Flexible Spending Accounts have tax advantages worth looking into, especially in light of new IRS changes.
-
Is a New $25,000 Health Care Tax Deduction Coming in 2026?Tax Policy A proposal from GOP Sen. Josh Hawley adds to the chatter about health care affordability.
-
Are You Middle-Class? Here's the Most Tax-Friendly State for Your FamilyTax Tips We found the state with no income tax, low property tax bills and exemptions on groceries and medicine.
-
Costco Sues Over Trump Tariffs: What Could That Mean for Prices in 2026?Tariffs The retailer is making headlines not just for its famous hot dog and gold bars but for suing the Trump administration over tariffs.
