Standard deduction

STANDARD DEDUCTION

An individual can choose between his or hers standard deduction or itemized deductions. Together with the personal exemption amount, the standard deduction reduces the adjusted gross income and thus the taxes.

Tax year

Single

Married filing jointly

Married filing separately

Head of household

2009

$5,700

$11,400

$5,700 

$8,350

2010

$5,700

$11,400

$5,700

$8,400

2011

$5,800

$11,600

$5,800

$8,500

2012

$5,950

$11,900

$5,950

$8,700

2013

$6,100

$12,200

$6,100

$8,950

2014

$6,200

$12,400

$6,200

$9,100

2015

$6,300

$12,600

$6,300

$9,250

2016

$6,300

$12,600

$6,300

$9,300

2017

$6,350

$12,700

$6,350

$9,350