Do cadets at the United States Air Force Academy qualify for the standard deduction?

[c19mclaughlin]

I was told we (cadets) did not qualify for education deductions because USAFA does not have a financial aid program (tuition not charged). But I was not told if we qualified for the Standard Deduction

[jerry2000 · Accepted solution]

You qualify for the standard deduction just for being a taxpayer. The standard deduction depends on your filing status and for 2016:
2016 Standard Deduction
Taxpayer under 65, not claimed as a dependent
$6,300 for Single
$12,600 for Married Filing Jointly, or Qualifying Widow(er) with dependent child
$9,300 for Head of Household
$6,300 for Married Filing Separately
For over 65 or blind, add $1,250 for each instance or add
$1,550 each instance if single and not a surviving spouse.

You do not have to do anything special to get that. Turbotax gives that to you the instant that you select your filing status and will use it until you enter itemized deductions that add up to be more than the standard. If you do that, then Turbotax will tell you which gives you the better tax benefit and let you choose.