Standard Deduction
Definition
A fixed dollar amount that reduces your taxable income, available to all taxpayers who don't itemize. For 2025, the standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers, $30,000 for married filing jointly, and $22,500 for head of household. Taxpayers age 65 or older or who are blind receive additional standard deduction amounts. About 90% of taxpayers take the standard deduction.
Example
A single filer with $55,000 AGI who takes the $15,000 standard deduction has taxable income of $40,000.
Related Terms
Itemized Deductions
Specific expenses you can deduct from your AGI instead of taking the standard de...
Tax Deduction
An expense that you can subtract from your taxable income, reducing the amount o...
Taxable Income
Your adjusted gross income minus either the standard deduction or itemized deduc...