--- title: "Standard deduction: Definition and Sources | Tax Glossary" description: "The standard deduction is a set dollar amount, based on filing status, that reduces the income an individual is taxed on if they do not itemize." url: https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/standard-deduction publisher: Wallace CPA phone: +1-877-682-1171 quote: https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/contact --- Federal tax # Standard deduction The standard deduction is a set dollar amount, based on filing status, that reduces the income an individual is taxed on if they do not itemize. The standard deduction is a fixed amount that lowers your taxable income. It depends on filing status, age, blindness and whether someone else can claim you as a dependent. The IRS adjusts it each year, so use the amount for your tax year. For tax year 2025, the IRS lists an additional standard deduction of $1,600 for age or blindness, or $2,000 if you are also unmarried and not a surviving spouse. You cannot take the standard deduction if you take [itemized deductions](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/itemized-deduction). Most filers pick whichever is larger. The [family tax guide](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/guides/texas-family-tax-guide) walks through that choice. [Wallace CPA can helpTax preparation](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/services/tax-preparation) ## Related terms - [Itemized deduction](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/itemized-deduction) - [Tax extension](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/tax-extension) - [Form W-2](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/glossary/form-w-2) ## Sources 1. [IRS: Topic no. 551, Standard deduction](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc551) ## Talk to Wallace CPA Call the Southlake office and say what you need: a return, an IRS letter, your books or a new business. Have the notice or last year's return nearby if you have one. [Call (877) 682-1171](tel:+1-877-682-1171)[Send a message](https://wallacecpa.multisites.ai/contact) 180 State Street, Suite 225, Southlake, TX 76092