Standard vs. itemized deduction: which one wins for you
After 2018, most filers stopped itemizing — but the exceptions are worth knowing.
4 min read · Updated 2026-07-04
The default
For 2026 tax filings the standard deduction is roughly $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly (check the IRS for the exact year). If your combined itemizable deductions do not exceed that, you take the standard deduction and move on.
When itemizing wins
You are likely to beat the standard deduction if you have a mortgage in a high-cost area (large interest deduction), pay high state and local taxes up to the SALT cap, make substantial charitable contributions, or have significant unreimbursed medical expenses in a single year.
Key takeaways
- Most filers take the standard deduction now — that is fine.
- Big mortgage + high state tax + big giving = itemize.
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Educational content only. Not individualized financial, tax, or legal advice.