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
