The standard deduction is a dollar amount that reduces the amount of income on which you are taxed. You cannot take the standard deduction if you claim itemized deductions.
In some cases, your standard deduction can consist of two parts, the basic standard deduction and an additional amount for age and/or blindness. The additional amount is an amount specified by law and varies based on your filing status.
The additional amount for age will be allowed if you are age 65 or older at the end of the tax year. You are considered to be 65 on the day before your 65th birthday.
The additional amount for blindness will be allowed if you are blind on the last day of the tax year.
When you enter the applicable basic information into TaxAct, the software will automatically calculate if a taxpayer is eligible for the additional standard deduction amount.