What is a standard tax deductions is that what I get for a return or is it what is taken from me

[AnnetteB6]

Here is what the IRS says about the standard deduction:

The standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that reduces the amount of income on which you're taxed. Your standard deduction consists of the sum of the basic standard deduction and any additional standard deduction amounts for age and/or blindness. In general, the standard deduction is adjusted each year for inflation and varies according to your filing status, whether you're 65 or older and/or blind, and whether another taxpayer can claim you as a dependent. The standard deduction isn't available to certain taxpayers. You can't take the standard deduction if you itemize your deductions.

The standard deduction is an amount that is subtracted from your income before your income tax is calculated.  The amount of the standard deduction depends on the filing status that you are using (Single, Married Filing Joint, etc.). 

@bige2293

So, it is an amount that is subtracted from your income, not an amount you get back as a refund.

[VolvoGirl]

The Standard Deduction is a good thing.  You get to subtract either the Standard Deduction or all your Itemized Deductions whichever is more.  It is subtracted off your income before the tax is calculated so you get taxed on a lower amount.  Which means the first 12,200 Single or 24,400 Joint of your income is not taxed and is tax free.

Everyone gets to take a Standard Deduction amount off their income before the tax is calculated (it's a good thing - it lowers your income).  Which means the first 12,200 Single or 24,400 Joint of your income is not taxed and is tax free.  Unless their itemized deductions are more.  Itemized deductions are things like Medical, Gifts to Charity, State Income Taxes Paid, Mortgage Interest, Property Taxes, Car Registration fees, etc.

For 2019 the standard deduction on 1040 line 9 amounts are:

Single 12,200 + 1,650 for 65 and over or blind (13,850)

HOH 18,350 + 1,650 for 65 and over or blind

Joint 24,400+ 1,300 for each 65 and over or blind

Married filing Separate 12,200 + 1,300 for 65 and over or blind