When filing taxes, you've got two main options: the or itemizing. The standard deduction is a fixed amount that reduces your , while itemizing lets you claim specific expenses. Your choice can significantly impact your tax bill.
The of 2017 nearly doubled the standard deduction, making it more attractive for many. However, itemizing might still be beneficial if you have substantial , , or . It's crucial to crunch the numbers and see which method saves you more.
Standard Deduction vs Itemized Deductions
Comparison of Deduction Methods
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Standard deduction reduces taxable income by a fixed amount
Varies based on (single, married filing jointly, head of household)
Adjusted annually for inflation
2023 amounts: 13,850(single),27,700 (married filing jointly), $20,800 (head of household)
allow claiming specific expenses to reduce taxable income
Potentially exceed standard deduction amount for some taxpayers
Requires more detailed record-keeping and documentation
Taxpayers must choose between standard deduction or itemizing
Cannot claim both in the same tax year
Decision impacts both federal and state tax returns in some cases
Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Nearly doubled standard deduction in 2017
Made standard deduction more advantageous for many taxpayers
Simplified tax preparation for those who previously itemized
Eliminated or limited several itemized deductions
Reduced benefits of itemizing for some taxpayers
Examples include caps on state and local tax deductions, changes to mortgage interest deductions
State and local tax considerations may still influence itemizing decision
Some states require consistent method on federal and state returns
High-tax states may make itemizing more beneficial despite federal changes
Itemized Deduction Expenses
Medical and Tax-Related Expenses
Medical and dental expenses exceeding 7.5% of (AGI) deductible
Includes costs for doctors, hospitals, prescription medications, medical devices