The standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount that reduces your
taxable federal income. Think of it as tax-free income that you get to
keep before taxes are applied to the rest.
To figure your 2016 standard deduction amount, simply select your
filing status below. (Don't worry – TurboTax automatically calculates
this for you, assuming you're taking the standard deduction.)
Please note that if someone else claims you (or your spouse, if
you're filing jointly) as their dependent, your standard deduction may
be reduced from the amounts shown below.
Single or Married Filing Separately
Your standard deduction starts at $6,300.
- Add $1,550 if you were born before January 2, 1952.
- Add $1,550 if you were blind as of December 31, 2016.
Example: Single filer Joe, who was born in 1972 and has been blind
since birth, has a standard deduction of $6,300 + $1,550 = $7,850.
Married Filing Jointly or Qualified Widow(er) with Dependent Child
Your standard deduction starts at $12,600.
- Add $1,250 if you were born before January 2, 1952.
- Add $1,250 if your jointly-filing spouse was born before January 2, 1952.
- Add $1,250 if you were blind as of December 31, 2016.
- Add $1,250 if your jointly-filing spouse was blind as of December 31, 2016.
Example: Joint filers Pat and Tracy, who were both born in 1941 and
are not blind, have a standard deduction of $12,600 + $1,250 + $1,250 =
$15,100.
Head of Household
Your standard deduction starts at $9,300.
- Add $1,550 if you were born before January 2, 1952.
- Add $1,550 if you were blind as of December 31, 2016.
Example: Head of Household filer Mary, who was born in 1963 and is not blind, has a standard deduction of $9,300.
