Standard deduction
A flat amount the IRS lets you subtract from your income before tax is figured, if you do not itemize deductions.
For 2026, the federal standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly. It is higher for people 65 and over or blind.
You take either the standard deduction or itemized deductions, like mortgage interest and charitable gifts, whichever is larger. Most people take the standard deduction. It lowers taxable income, not the tax itself.