HIow do I take the standared deduction?

[VolvoGirl]

You automatically get the Standard Deduction unless your Itemized Deductions are more.  Just don't enter any deductions.

[Hal_Al]

Are you (or can you be) somebody else's dependent.  If so, you do not automatically get the full $12,400 standard deduction.  A dependent's standard deduction is the greater of $1100 or his earned income +$350 (but no more than $12,400).  For purposes of the standard deduction calculation, taxable scholarship is treated as earned income (if reported correctly on the tax return).