Before you itemize, check this: 2026’s $16,100 standard deduction could beat your write-offs

The standard deduction is getting another increase for the 2026 tax year, and that means taxpayers may want to look at the new amount before deciding how to approach their federal income tax returns.

For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately, the standard deduction will rise to $16,100 in 2026. Married couples filing jointly will get a $32,200 standard deduction, while heads of household will get $24,150.

The new figures are part of the Internal Revenue Service’s annual tax inflation adjustments and include changes made under the One Big Beautiful Bill.

2026 Standard Deduction Rises to $16,100 for Single Filers

The standard deduction for 2026 will be higher than it was for 2025.

For tax year 2025, the standard deduction is $15,750 for single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately, $31,500 for married couples filing jointly and $23,625 for heads of household.

For tax year 2026, those amounts increase to:

Single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately: $16,100

Married couples filing jointly: $32,200

Heads of household: $24,150

The IRS said these 2026 tax adjustments generally apply to tax returns filed in 2027.

Standard Deduction vs Itemized Deductions

The higher standard deduction is one of the key changes taxpayers will see for 2026.

FOX 9 reported that the standard deduction is claimed by the majority of taxpayers who do not itemize their returns.

The IRS also said the limitation on itemized deductions, which had previously been eliminated for tax years 2018 through 2025, was made permanent under the One Big Beautiful Bill. However, the law limits the tax benefit from itemized deductions for taxpayers in the highest, 37% tax bracket.

2026 Federal Tax Brackets Are Also Changing

The standard deduction is not the only figure changing for the 2026 tax year. The income thresholds for the federal marginal tax rates are also being adjusted.

The seven federal tax rates remain 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%.

For single taxpayers, the 2026 brackets are:

10%: $12,400 or less

12%: More than $12,400 to $50,400

22%: More than $50,400 to $105,700

24%: More than $105,700 to $201,775

32%: More than $201,775 to $256,225

35%: More than $256,225 to $640,600

37%: More than $640,600

For married couples filing jointly, the 37% rate applies to taxable income above $768,700.

CNBC reported that while the tax rates remain the same, the IRS adjusts the income ranges for each rate annually to account for inflation.

What Else Is Changing for 2026 Taxes

The IRS also announced several other adjustments for tax year 2026.

The estate tax basic exclusion amount will increase to $15 million for people who die in 2026, compared with $13.99 million for people who died in 2025.

The maximum adoption credit will increase to $17,670, up from $17,280 in 2025, with up to $5,120 of the 2026 credit being refundable.

The maximum Earned Income Tax Credit will rise to $8,231 for qualifying taxpayers with three or more qualifying children, compared with $8,046 in 2025.

The maximum contribution limit for health flexible spending arrangements will increase to $3,400 in 2026 from $3,300 in 2025. The maximum carryover for cafeteria plans that allow unused amounts to be carried over will increase to $680 from $660.

The annual exclusion for gifts will remain $19,000 in 2026.

When Will the 2026 Tax Changes Apply

The IRS announced the 2026 inflation adjustments on October 9, 2025. The agency said the changes generally apply to tax returns filed in 2027.

For taxpayers planning around their 2026 federal income taxes, the $16,100 standard deduction for single filers is therefore one of the key figures to keep in mind when considering whether to take the standard deduction or itemize.