2021 Standard deduction
The basic deduction available to taxpayers who do not itemize deductions.
Primary reference value
$12,550| Parameter | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic deduction / Married filing jointly | $25,100 |
| Basic deduction / Head of household | $18,800 |
| Basic deduction / Single | $12,550 |
| Basic deduction / Married filing separately | 1,255,000.00% |
| Each additional member / Married, aged or blind | $1,350 |
| Each additional member / Unmarried, aged or blind | $1,700 |
| Dependent minimum deduction | $1,100 |
| Dependent earned-income addition | $350 |
- Announced
- 2020-10-26
- Effective
- 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31
- Next usual release
- October–November
Who this applies to.
Each eligible age-65 or blindness condition adds a separate amount. The temporary additional senior deduction is a different deduction and is not included here.
Published by IRS. The table uses tax year dates. Check the source for eligibility, elections and exceptions.
Use the 2021 number.
Uses ordinary income and the standard deduction, including age/blindness additions. Excludes payroll tax, AMT, credits, QBI, dependent limitations and separate temporary deductions for seniors, tips or overtime. The IRS tax table may differ for taxable income below $100,000.
Standard deduction history.
| Year | Reference value | Change | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $12,550 | — | Official |
| 2022 | $12,950 | +$400 | Official |
| 2023 | $13,850 | +$900 | Official |
| 2024 | $14,600 | +$750 | Official |
| 2025 | $15,750 | +$1,150 | Official |
| 2026 | $16,100 | +$350 | Official |
| 2027 | $16,600 | +$500 | Projected |
History compares the primary reference value; use each year’s full table for other filing statuses, regions or limits.
Questions about standard deduction.
What is the 2021 standard deduction?
The sourced table above shows the 2021 values. Its status is official. The primary reference is $12,550; other statuses or categories may differ.
When will the next number be announced?
The usual publication window is October–November. This is a typical schedule, not a promised date. The calendar distinguishes published values from pending releases.
Is this official or projected?
The displayed 2021 record is official. Official means a primary agency document or statute supports the value. A projection states its formula, inflation data and assumptions and changes when an official source becomes available.
How does it compare with last year?
Use the history and prior-year page for verified comparisons. Each table should be compared using the same filing status, region and effective period.
Can I use the calculator without an account?
Yes. Submit the form to get a server-calculated estimate, including when JavaScript is off. Inputs are not stored in the application cache or sent to analytics. Result URLs include the inputs, so avoid sharing them if the figures are private.