2026 standard deduction amounts and when itemizing saves you more
Every filer must choose between the standard deduction (a fixed amount) or itemized deductions (total of eligible expenses). For 2026, the standard deduction increased under OBBBA and the SALT cap rose to $40,000 — both changes affect which option is better for you.
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction | Age 65+ Bonus | Total if 65+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 | +$4,000 | $20,100 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,200 | +$4,000 each | $36,200-$40,200 |
| Head of Household | $23,850 | +$4,000 | $27,850 |
| Married Filing Separately | $16,100 | +$4,000 | $20,100 |
The SALT deduction cap increased from $10,000 to $40,000 under OBBBA. This is the biggest change affecting the standard-vs-itemized decision, especially for homeowners in high-tax states.
| Factor | Standard Deduction | Itemized Deductions |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fixed amount, no receipts | Add up eligible expenses |
| Best for | Renters, low-tax states | Homeowners, high-tax states |
| Effort | Zero | Moderate — track expenses |
| SALT | N/A | Up to $40,000 (2026) |
| Mortgage interest | N/A | On loans up to $750K |
| Charitable donations | N/A | Up to 60% of AGI |
| Medical expenses | N/A | Exceeding 7.5% of AGI |
SALT: $0 | Mortgage: $0 | Charity: $500
Total itemized: $500 vs Standard: $16,100
Take the standard deduction.
SALT: $22,000 | Mortgage: $14,000 | Charity: $3,000
Total itemized: $39,000 vs Standard: $32,200
Itemize. Saves $6,800 more.
SALT: $28,000 | Mortgage: $12,000 | Charity: $2,000
Total itemized: $42,000 vs Standard: $16,100
Itemize. Saves $25,900 more.
$16,100 single, $32,200 MFJ, $23,850 HoH, $16,100 MFS. Age 65+ get an extra $4,000 under OBBBA.
When your total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction. Key items: mortgage interest, SALT ($40K cap), charitable donations, and medical expenses over 7.5% AGI.
$40,000, raised from $10,000 under OBBBA. This benefits taxpayers in high-tax states.
SALT ($40K cap), mortgage interest ($750K loan limit), charitable contributions (60% AGI), medical expenses (over 7.5% AGI), casualty losses from federal disasters.
Yes. Choose whichever gives you the larger deduction each year. No consistency required.
Related: Deduction Finder | 2026 Tax Brackets | TurboTax vs H&R Block | Tax Calculator
Tax calculations are estimates for educational and informational purposes only. This site does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation. Data sourced from IRS publications and official state tax authority websites.
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