Standard Deduction 2024: How Much Can You Claim This Year?
The 2024 standard deduction has increased for all filing statuses; this has lower taxable income for those who don’t itemize on Schedule A of Form 1040. For the 2024 tax year, the federal standard deduction 2024 amounts are:
- $14,600 for Single and Married Filing Separately
- $21,900 for Head of Household
- $29,200 for Married Filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouse
These numbers are higher than 2023, reflecting inflation adjustments. it has risen to $750 for Single or MFS, $1,100 for Head of Household, and $1,500 for MFJ or QSS. older people or those who are blind can add more: $1,950 for Single or Head of Household and $1,550 per qualifying person for MFJ, MFS, or QSS. Dependents have their own rules: the 2024 standard deduction for dependents is the greater of $1,300 or their income plus $450, capped at the amount allowed for their filing status.
Taxpayers opt for the 2024 standard deduction because it is simple. However, comparing it with itemized deductions such as mortgage interest (Form 1098), state and local taxes, charitable gifts, and qualified medical costs can reduce taxes even further. So if you understand what is the standard deduction for 2024, you will make the right choice and file with confidence. Use IRS guidance in Revenue Procedure 2023-34 and current publications.
What is the Standard Deduction?
The standard deduction is a fixed amount that lowers your taxable income. the good thing is that you don’t need receipts, unlike itemized deductions. it makes filing easier and reduces taxable income.
Filing status affects how much you can deduct. The IRS sets different amounts for Single, Married Filing Jointly, and others. Knowing the standard deduction for 2024 depends on your status and some extra rules.
Some can’t take the federal standard deduction in 2024. Nonresident aliens and some dual-status filers are excluded. If you’re Married Filing Separately and your spouse itemizes, you must too.
Most can use software or IRS worksheets to compare both options. If itemizing doesn’t work, the standard deduction is often simpler and faster.
2024 Standard Deduction Amounts
The IRS has updated the federal standard deduction for 2024. these amounts help you with tax planning. It’s important for figuring out if itemizing is better this year.
Match your status and age with the figures below. If you or your spouse are 65+ or blind, add extra amounts as the IRS defines.
| Filing Status | 2024 Standard Deduction | Additional Amount (65+ or Blind) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $14,600 | $1,950 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $29,200 | $1,550 per spouse |
| Married Filing Separately | $14,600 | $1,550 per spouse |
| Head of Household | $21,900 | $1,950 |
| Qualifying Surviving Spouse | $29,200 | $1,550 per spouse |
See the table above for the full federal standard deduction 2024 amounts. This includes the single standard deduction 2024, 2024 standard deduction married filing jointly, and 2024 standard deduction over 65 married jointly amounts.
Looking ahead, 2025 will see further indexing. But, use the 2024 amounts for your return. 2026 tax brackets are also worth keeping in mind for long-term planning
State Standard Deduction Updates 2024
States have their own rules for the standard deduction in 2024. In New York, Georgia, and Arizona show how different they can be. Some people get extra amounts if they are 65 or older or blind. Others might need to use itemized deductions to get any benefit. Part-year and nonresident returns often have proration rules.
The federal standard deduction 2024 doesn’t always apply at the state level. Some states reduce these amounts, cap additional amounts, or offer personal exemptions instead. Always verify with your state revenue department before filing.
New York State Standard Deduction 2024
New York uses its own standard deduction amounts and doesn’t conform to federal levels. older people and blind taxpayers may qualify for additional amounts, but part-year and nonresident returns often require proration. Married Filing Separately filers may need to mirror the spouse’s itemizing choices. For the most accurate information, check the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Georgia Standard Deduction 2024
Georgia sets state-specific standard deduction figures for 2024, which may differ from federal amounts. Additional amounts may apply for older people or blind taxpayers. If one spouse itemizes on a separate return, itemizing may also be required at the state level. For details, see the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Arizona Standard Deduction 2024
Arizona partially conforms to federal standard deduction rules and updates its thresholds periodically. Extra amounts may be available for older people or blind taxpayers as defined by state law. Nonresidents and part-year filers often need to prorate their deductions based on Arizona-source income.
If you claim the standard deduction 2024 at the federal level, you might face different math in your state. Some states use personal exemptions or allow both with separate limits. Check if your filing status changes the benefit in your state.
Who qualifies and exceptions
Most residents qualify if they don’t itemize on their state return. Many states add amounts for older people or the blind. Dependents may be limited, echoing the federal cap on a dependent’s standard deduction 2024.
Common exceptions apply. If one spouse itemizes on a Married Filing Separately state return, the other spouse may have to itemize too. Nonresidents and part-year residents often must prorate state standard deductions.
Because the standard deductions in New York, Georgia, and Arizona can change, confirm eligibility and amounts before filing with your state agency.
How to Claim the Standard Deduction
The 2024 standard deduction is easy to use when you fill out Form 1040. Most e-file tools, like Intuit, compare it itemizing. They choose the lower tax for you. If you file on paper, you pick the standard amount on Form 1040. You only need Schedule A if you itemize. contact JC Castle and save the headaches.
Before choosing the standard deduction, check some rules. If you are Married Filing Separately and your spouse itemizes, you can’t take the standard amount. Nonresident aliens and certain dual-status filers are not eligible. If unsure, use software or talk to a certified tax professional.
Filing steps and forms
- Choose your filing status: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse.
- Confirm the 2024 standard deduction amount: $14,600 (Single or MFS), $21,900 (Head of Household), $29,200 (MFJ or QSS).
- Add the 2024 additional amount if 65+ or blind: $1,950 for Single or Head of Household; $1,550 per qualifying person for MFJ, MFS, or QSS.
- If claimed as a dependent, compute your 2024 standard deduction as the greater of $1,300 or earned income plus $450, capped at your status maximum.
- Compare with possible itemized deductions: mortgage interest (Form 1098), state and local taxes, charitable gifts, and medical costs over 7.5% of AGI. another major factor is SALT tax rules, which can affect whether itemizing gives you a bigger benefit.
- Enter the chosen deduction on Form 1040. Attach Schedule A only if itemizing.
- File by April 15, 2025, or request an extension to October 15, 2025.
PS: Get your W-2s, 1099s, and Form 1098 ready. This ensures your data is complete. Clear records help the software apply the 2024 standard deduction correctly. They also support your return if the IRS asks for details.
FAQ
What is the standard deduction for 2024?
For 2024, the federal standard deduction is $14,600 for Single and Married Filing Separately. It’s $21,900 for Head of Household. And $29,200 for Married Filing Jointly and Qualifying Surviving Spouse. This deduction lowers your taxable income if you don’t itemize on Schedule A of Form 1040.
Can dependents claim a standard deduction in 2024?
Yes. A dependent’s 2024 standard deduction is the greater of $1,300 or earned income plus $450. It’s capped at the maximum for their filing status.
Who cannot take the standard deduction?
Certain nonresident aliens, some dual-status or partial-year taxpayers, and anyone Married Filing Separately when the other spouse itemizes cannot claim the standard deduction.
Should I itemize or take the standard deduction?
Choose the option that lowers your tax bill. Itemize if your deductible expenses—like mortgage interest, state and local taxes, charitable gifts, and medical costs above 7.5% of AGI—are more than your standard deduction.
What are the 2024 additional amounts for older people or the blind?
Add $1,950 if Single or Head of Household. Add $1,550 per qualifying person if Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, or Qualifying Surviving Spouse.
What is the 2024 standard deduction married filing separately?
Married Filing Separately filers have a $14,600 standard deduction. If one spouse itemizes, the other must itemize and cannot take the standard deduction.
When are 2024 tax returns due?
Returns are due April 15, 2025. You can request an extension to October 15, 2025. But any tax owed is due by April 15.
How do I claim the standard deduction on my return?
Most e-file software applies it automatically. Paper filers enter it on Form 1040. Use Schedule A only if you itemize.
What is the federal standard deduction 2024 for Head of Household?
Head of Household filers can claim $21,900 for 2024. If 65+ or blind, add $1,950. If both 65+ and blind, add $3,900.
What are the preliminary 2025 standard deduction amounts?
Preliminary figures for 2025 show $15,750 for Single/MFS, $23,625 for Head of Household, and $31,500 for MFJ/Surviving Spouse. There are higher add-ons for 65+ or blind.
What is the New York State standard deduction 2024?
New York sets its own amounts and rules, which can differ from federal levels. Check the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for 2024 figures and eligibility.
What is the Georgia standard deduction 2024?
Georgia’s standard deduction is state-specific and may differ from federal amounts. See the Georgia Department of Revenue for current 2024 thresholds and rules.
What is the Arizona standard deduction 2024?
Arizona provides its own standard deduction and may offer an increased amount via additions. Confirm 2024 details with the Arizona Department of Revenue.
Do states follow the federal standard deduction?
Some do, many don’t. States can set different amounts, phase-outs, or offer personal exemptions instead. Always verify with your state revenue department.
What documents help me decide between standard and itemized?
Common sources include Form 1098 (mortgage interest), property tax bills, state and local tax records, charitable donation receipts, and medical expense totals.
Where can I find official guidance?
See IRS publications and Rev. Proc. 2023-34 for 2024 amounts, and the IRS website for forms and instructions. State revenue sites publish their own 2024 rules.
