Whichever is more. For 2024 the standard deduction amounts are:
Single 14,600+1,950 for 65 and over or blind
HOH 21,900 + 1,950 for 65 and over or blind
Joint 29,200 + 1,550 for each 65 and over or blind (both 32,300)
Married filing Separate 14,600 + 1,550 for 65 and over or blind
Itemized deductions are things like Medical, Gifts to Charity, State Income Taxes Paid, Mortgage Interest, Property Taxes, Car Registration fees, etc. Some things are limited.
SALT
There is a max 10,000 limit (5,000 MFS) of property tax and state taxes "SALT". SALT is State And Local Tax. Which includes property tax, any state tax paid like for last year’s return and includes any state withholding from your W2s and any 1099s you have. And any taxes in W2 box 14 and 19 like SDI or VDI. You can only deduct up to 10,000 (5,000 MFS) for SALT State and Local Taxes.
MEDICAL
You can only deduct the amount of unreimbursed Medical Expenses you actually paid over 7.5% of your AGI. And then all your itemized deductions have to be more than the standard deduction to get any benefit (so you would only be getting the benefit of the amount that puts you over the standard deduction). And since the Standard Deduction is increased more people will not need to Itemize.
