2020 Exemptions and Deductions
Standard Deductions: in lieu of itemizing deductions, standard deductions are available when more beneficial than itemized deductions.
| Single taxpayers | $12,400 |
| Married filing jointly (1) | $24,800 |
| Married filing separately | $12,400 |
| Heads of households | $18,650 |
| Dependents who need to file (cannot exceed the greater of $1,100 or $350 plus the dependent's earned income) | $1,100 |
Taxpayers who are blind or age 65 and over may obtain an additional standard deduction of $1,300 if married (whether filing jointly or separately) or $1,650 if single or head of household. If a taxpayer is both blind and over age 65, double these amounts.
(1) includes surviving spouses
Reduction of itemized deductions: the overall limitation on itemized deductions is suspended, applicable to tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2026