Your standard deduction reduces the amount of income you have to pay tax on. For 2018 tax returns and beyond, your standard deduction was nearly doubled from the amounts of earlier tax years.
Your standard deduction lowers your taxable income. It is not a refund
2018 Standard Deductions:
Single $12,000 (+ $1600 65 or older)
Married Filing Separately $12,000 (+ $1300 65 or older)
Married Filing Jointly $24,000 (+ $1300 each spouse 65 or older)
Head of Household $18,000 (+ $1600 65 or older)
Look at line 8 of your Form 1040 to see your standard or itemized deductions.
