annetooth
New Member

Can a couple married filing jointly take 1 standard deduction and the other itemize the deduction? kind of a mix and match.

 

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No... on a joint return you take EITHER the standard OR the itemized deductions.     And if you file separately you must BOTH use the standard or  BOTH use the itemized deductions ... you cannot mix and match. 

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A joint return is one return combined for the both of you.  You get a high Standard Deduction 24,800 unless your combined Itemized Deductions are more.  Unless you have a specific reason to file separate returns,  It is usually better to file Joint. Joint has the lowest tax rates and the highest Standard Deduction. 

For 2020 the standard deduction amounts are:

Single 12,400 + 1,650 for 65 and over or blind (14,050)

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

Joint 24,800 + 1,300 for each 65 and over or blind

Married filing Separate 12,400 + 1,300 for 65 and over or blind