Taxes can seem overwhelming, yet one of the easiest ways to decrease your taxable income is via standard deductions. This applies to singles, married couples, and heads of household. Standard deductions is a great way to lower just how much of your income is taxed.
How does filing status affect the standard deduction?
The amount you can deduct depends largely on your filing status. For 2025, here is the breakdown:
- Single or married filing separately: $15,000.
- Married filing jointly or surviving spouse: $30,000.
- Head of household: $22,500.
If your status changes – say you get married or qualify as head of household – your deduction amount will also change.
For clarity, here is a table showing the amount you can deduct based on your filing status:
| Filing status | 2025 standard deduction |
| Single; Married filing separately | $15,000. |
| Married filing jointly; Surviving spouse | $30,000. |
| Head of household | $22,500. |
Source: Internal Revenue Service
What is the IRS Standard Deduction in 2023 for head of household filers?
Can older adults or the blind deduct more in 2025?
Yes, there are additional deductions if you are 65 or older or legally blind. For 2025:
- Single or head of household: You can add $2,000 to your standard deduction for each qualifying condition. If you are both 65+ and blind, you get an extra $4,000.
- Married filing jointly: Each qualifying spouse can add $1,600, or $3,200 if both conditions apply.
These additional amounts recognize the higher costs some taxpayers face due to age or disability.
What if someone claims you as a dependent?
Your standard deduction is different if you are dependent on someone else’s return. In 2025, if you are a dependent, you will receive either a deduction of up to $1,300 or your entire income plus $450.
Let’s say you earn $5,000 and are claimed as a dependent. Your standard deduction would be $5,450 ($5,000 + $450), but only as long as it does not exceed $15,000.
What is the standard deduction for singles in 2025?
In 2025 for single filers, the standard deduction will amount to $15,000, an increase from the previous year’s $14,600 based on inflation. A basic feature of standard deduction is that it can be deducted from income such that a lot of taxpayers find it easy to use.
For instance, if you earn a total of $50,000, then because of the standard deduction, your taxable income is just $35,000. Your income tax would therefore be calculated using this smaller amount (taxable income), saving you money. The standard deduction is applied automatically unless you decide to itemize, which would be advisable if those itemized deductions amount to more than the standard.
When should you itemize instead of taking the standard deduction?
Although most taxpayers benefit from the standard deduction, you should consider itemizing if your deductible expenses add up to more than the standard amount. Common itemized deductions include:
- Mortgage interest.
- Property taxes.
- Charitable donations.
- Certain medical expenses that exceed a percentage of your income.
If you are not sure which option saves you more, many tax software programs can compare both methods for you.
IRS Tax Brackets in 2024 for singles: What is my Tax Rates according to my income?
When can you not take the standard deduction?
There are certain cases where the standard deduction is not available. You cannot claim it if:
- You are married filing separately, and your spouse itemizes deductions.
- You are filing for a trust, estate, or partnership.
- Your tax year covers less than 12 months.
- You are a nonresident alien, except in limited cases.
If any of these situations apply, you may need to itemize or consult a tax professional to determine your options.
Continue Reading:
What is the IRS Standard Deduction in 2023 for married filing jointly?
