TaxAct® will use the higher of your itemized deductions or the standard deduction for your filing status to maximize your tax benefit. The total of your itemized deductions is reported on Schedule A (Form 1040) Itemized Deductions, on Line 17.
| Filing Status | Under 65 | 65 or Older |
| Single | $12,400 | $14,050 |
| Head of Household | $18,650 | $20,300 |
| Married Filing Joint | $24,800 | $26,100 if one spouse 65 or older $27,400 if both spouses 65 or older |
| Married Filing Separate | $12,400 | $14,050 |
| Qualifying Widow(er) | $24,800 | $26,100 |
However, if you and/or your spouse were blind in 2020, or could be claimed as a dependent by another person, your standard deduction will differ from the above amounts. Refer to IRS Instructions for Form 1040 and 1040-SR, Line 12 on page 29 to verify the standard deduction that you should use.
Note. If your filing status is Married Filing Separate, you and your spouse must either both itemize deductions or both use the standard deduction.
Note that any link in the information above is updated each year automatically and will take you to the most recent version of the document at the time it is accessed.