What's the Standard Deduction for 2022 vs. 2023?

You have a choice between taking the standard deduction or claiming itemized deductions each year when filling out your federal income tax return. And, of course, you always want to pick whichever one helps you the most. For about 90% of all taxpayers, claiming the standard deduction is the way to go. But you can't know for sure which route is better for you unless you know how much your standard deduction is the year.

So how much is the standard deduction worth? It depends on your filing status, whether you're 65 or older and/or blind, and whether another taxpayer can claim you as a dependent on their tax return. It's also adjusted annually for inflation, so your 2022 standard deduction is larger than it was for 2021, and your 2023 amount will be higher than your 2022 amount.

There are also some special rules that apply if you're claiming the standard deduction. For instance, if you recently had a "net qualified disaster loss," your standard deduction may be higher (see below). On the other hand, if you're married but filing separate tax returns, you can't take the standard deduction if your spouse itemizes deductions. You can't claim it if you're a dual-status alien, either.

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So, as it turns out, determining your standard deduction amount isn't as simple as it may seem on the surface. The size of your standard deduction differs depending on a variety of factors, which are described below. Keep reading to find the standard deduction amount that applies to you for the 2022 and 2023 tax years.

2022 Standard Deduction Amounts

For 2022 federal income tax returns, which will be due April 18, 2023, the standard deduction amounts are as follows:

If you're at least 65 years old or blind, you can claim an additional 2022 standard deduction of $1,400 ($1,750 if using the single or head of household filing status). If you're both 65 and blind, the additional deduction amount is doubled.

If you can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer, your 2022 standard deduction is limited to the greater of $1,150 or your earned income plus $400 (but the total can't be more than the basic standard deduction for your filing status).

2023 Standard Deduction Amounts

Even though you haven't filed your 2022 return yet, smart taxpayers will start keeping an eye on their 2023 return now. So, for the early birds out there, here are the 2023 standard deduction amounts.

Taxpayers who are at least 65 years old or blind can claim an additional standard deduction of $1,500 is allowed for 2023 ($1,850 if you're claiming the single or head of household filing status). As with the 2022 standard deduction, the additional deduction amount is doubled if you're both 65 or older and blind.

If you can be claimed as a dependent on another person's tax return, your 2023 standard deduction is limited to the greater of $1,250 or your earned income plus $400 (again, the total can't be more than the basic standard deduction for your filing status).

Increased Standard Deduction for Certain Disaster Losses

If you have a net "qualified disaster loss," you can claim a larger standard deduction. A qualified disaster loss is a casualty or theft loss of personal-use property that is attributable to:

• A major disaster declared by the President in 2016;
• Hurricane Harvey;
• Tropical Storm Harvey;
• Hurricane Irma;
• Hurricane Maria;
• California wildfires in 2017 and January 2018;
• A major disaster declared by the President between January 1, 2018, and February 18, 2020, if the loss occurred before January 19, 2020; or
• A major disaster declared by the President before February 26, 2021, if the loss occurred between December 28, 2019, and December 27, 2020, and continued no later than January 26, 2021 (not including losses attributable to a major disaster declared only by reason of COVID-19).

You need to complete IRS Form 4684 (opens in new tab) to see if you have a net qualified disaster loss.