2026 Standard Deduction Amounts Announced by IRS: What You Need to Know

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the standard deduction amounts for the 2026 tax year, and they’re higher than ever. As a result, taxpayers will have more money to claim on their tax returns without needing to itemize deductions.

Standard Deduction Amounts for 2026

The standard deduction amounts for 2026 are as follows ¹:

• Married Filing Joint and Surviving Spouses: $32,200, an increase of $700 from the prior tax year
• Single and Married Filing Separately: $16,100, an increase of $350 from the prior tax year
• Heads of Household: $24,150, an increase of $525 from the prior tax year

Additional Standard Deduction for Seniors and the Blind

Taxpayers aged 65 and older, as well as those who are blind, can claim an additional standard deduction of $1,650 ($2,050 if unmarried and not a surviving spouse). This amount can be added to the regular standard deduction for their filing status.

New Bonus Standard Deduction

The “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB) introduces a new bonus standard deduction of $6,000 for taxpayers aged 65 and older. This temporary deduction phases out for incomes above certain thresholds and can be claimed in addition to the additional standard deduction.

Highest Standard Deduction Amount Possible

For married filing joint couples who are both over 65, qualify for the bonus deduction, and can claim the extra standard deduction for both spouses, the highest possible standard deduction amount for 2026 is $47,500.

Standard Deduction for Dependents

The standard deduction for dependents is limited to either $1,350 or the sum of $450 and the dependent’s earned income, whichever is greater. However, the standard deduction for dependents cannot exceed the regular standard deduction for their filing status.

What This Means for Taxpayers

The increased standard deduction amounts for 2026 provide taxpayers with more flexibility when filing their tax returns. Taxpayers can use this information to determine whether they should itemize deductions or claim the standard deduction.

Key Takeaways

• The standard deduction amounts for 2026 are higher than ever, providing taxpayers with more money to claim on their tax returns.
• Taxpayers aged 65 and older, as well as those who are blind, can claim an additional standard deduction.
• The new bonus standard deduction of $6,000 is available for taxpayers aged 65 and older, but phases out for incomes above certain thresholds.
• The highest possible standard deduction amount for 2026 is $47,500 for married filing joint couples who meet certain criteria.