Basic standard deduction used by FedTaxEst
2025 amounts reflect the statutory increase described in Revenue Procedure 2025-32 section 3.01. 2026 amounts are the inflation-adjusted figures in section 4.14 of the same procedure.
| Filing status | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $15,750 | $16,100 |
| Married filing jointly | $31,500 | $32,200 |
| Married filing separately | $15,750 | $16,100 |
| Head of household | $23,625 | $24,150 |
Aged or blind extra amount
If you check 65 or older or blind on the calculator, FedTaxEst adds the additional standard deduction: $2,000(2025) or $2,050 (2026) per condition if you file single or head of household; $1,600 (2025) or $1,650 (2026) per condition for married statuses. Joint returns can add amounts for each spouse.
Standard versus itemized
Itemizing only helps in this model when the combined itemized total is larger than the standard deduction. Common itemized categories include medical expenses above a percentage of AGI, state and local taxes (often capped), home mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. FedTaxEst does not apply those floors or caps — enter a total you already understand, or stay on the standard path.
Personal exemptions remain $0 in both years in this estimator, matching the current individual framework described in the 2026 inflation news release.
Open the income tax calculator and toggle standard versus itemized on the same wages to see taxable income move.