Quick Answer
The standard deduction increased to $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly in 2026 — up from $14,600/$29,200 in 2025. This 2.7% increase helps offset inflation but may change whether you should itemize deductions, especially with the eliminated SALT cap.
Best Answer
Sarah Chen, CPA
Best for typical employees deciding between standard and itemized deductions
2026 standard deduction amounts
The standard deduction amounts for 2026 increased modestly from 2025, following annual inflation adjustments. According to IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-57, the new amounts are:
This represents roughly a 2.7% increase to account for inflation.
How this affects your tax planning
The higher standard deduction means more of your income is tax-free, but it also makes itemizing less attractive unless you have significant deductible expenses.
*Tax savings depend on your marginal tax bracket (22-37%)
Example: $65,000 single filer
With a $65,000 salary in 2026:
While $88 isn't huge, it's equivalent to about $3.40 extra per paycheck if you adjust your W-4 withholding.
Standard vs. itemized decision in 2026
The elimination of the SALT deduction cap makes the standard vs. itemized decision more complex. You should itemize if your total deductions exceed:
Common itemized deductions for 2026:
When to reconsider your approach
If you took the standard deduction in 2025 but live in a high-tax state, you might benefit from itemizing in 2026 due to the eliminated SALT cap.
Example: A married couple with $12,000 in property taxes and $8,000 in state income taxes:
Impact on paycheck withholding
The higher standard deduction means slightly less tax owed, so you might be over-withholding if you don't adjust your W-4. For most people, this adjustment is minor — about $7-15 less withholding per month.
What you should do
1. Calculate both options: Compare your potential itemized deductions to the new standard deduction amounts
2. Consider the SALT cap elimination: If you pay significant state/local taxes, itemizing might now be better
3. Adjust W-4 if needed: Use our calculator to optimize your withholding based on the higher standard deduction
4. Plan charitable giving: If you're close to the itemizing threshold, bunching charity into one year might help
[Calculate your optimal withholding](paycheck-calculator) based on the 2026 standard deduction amounts.
Key takeaway: The 2026 standard deduction increases save most taxpayers $88-$296 annually, but the bigger story is reconsidering whether to itemize due to the eliminated SALT cap.
*Sources: [IRS Publication 501](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf), [IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-57](https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-tax-inflation-adjustments)*
Key Takeaway: The 2026 standard deduction increases save most taxpayers $88-$296 annually, but the bigger impact is reconsidering whether to itemize due to the eliminated SALT cap.
2026 standard deduction amounts and tax savings by filing status
| Filing Status | 2025 Amount | 2026 Amount | Increase | Tax Savings (22% bracket) | Tax Savings (32% bracket) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $14,600 | $15,000 | $400 | ~$88 | ~$128 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $29,200 | $30,000 | $800 | ~$176 | ~$256 |
| Married Filing Separately | $14,600 | $15,000 | $400 | ~$88 | ~$128 |
| Head of Household | $21,900 | $22,500 | $600 | ~$132 | ~$192 |
More Perspectives
Marcus Rivera, CFP
Best for pre-retirees and retirees managing deduction strategies and tax planning
How standard deduction changes affect retirement planning
For those nearing or in retirement, the 2026 standard deduction increase provides modest tax relief, but the real planning opportunity comes from strategically choosing between standard and itemized deductions year by year.
Retirement-specific considerations
Income variability: Retirees often have more control over their income timing through retirement account withdrawals, Roth conversions, and Social Security claiming strategies. The higher standard deduction gives you more tax-free income space to work with.
Bunching strategies: Consider alternating between itemizing and standard deduction in different years:
Example: Retired couple with $20,000 in annual deductions
A retired couple has:
With the $30,000 standard deduction, they're $10,000 short of itemizing benefits. But if they:
They save ~$2,400 in federal taxes that year, then take the $30,000 standard deduction the following year.
Key takeaway: Retirees should consider alternating between itemizing (bunching deductions) and standard deduction years to maximize tax benefits over multiple years.
Key Takeaway: Retirees should consider alternating between itemizing (bunching deductions) and standard deduction years to maximize tax benefits over multiple years.
Sarah Chen, CPA
Best for high-income earners evaluating itemizing strategies with the higher standard deduction
Standard deduction impact for high earners
High earners benefit from the increased standard deduction, but with unlimited SALT deductions now available, the itemizing vs. standard decision becomes more strategic.
The itemizing threshold is now higher
With a $30,000 standard deduction for married couples, your itemized deductions need to be substantial to beat it. However, high earners in high-tax states often easily clear this threshold:
Example: $200,000 household in New York
AMT considerations
High earners must watch for Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). If you're subject to AMT:
Strategic planning opportunities
Charitable bunching: If your regular itemized deductions are close to $30,000, consider bunching several years of charitable giving into one year to maximize the benefit.
State tax planning: Consider accelerating or deferring state income through bonus timing, especially if you're near the AMT threshold.
Key takeaway: High earners should run detailed calculations comparing itemized vs. standard deductions, especially considering AMT implications and the opportunity for charitable bunching strategies.
Key Takeaway: High earners should run detailed calculations comparing itemized vs. standard deductions, especially considering AMT implications and the opportunity for charitable bunching strategies.
Sources
- IRS Publication 501 — Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-57 — 2026 Tax Year Inflation Adjustments
Related Questions
Reviewed by Sarah Chen, CPA on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.