The standard vs itemized deduction calculator compares both options side by side so you can choose the one that reduces your tax bill most. For 2026, the standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly. Itemizing makes sense only when your eligible expenses exceed the standard deduction.
Your Tax Information
Itemized Deduction Inputs
SALT cap: $10,000 combined with property taxes
Only amount above 7.5% AGI is deductible
How to Compare Standard vs Itemized Deductions
Choosing between the standard deduction and itemized deductions is one of the most important decisions in tax planning. The right choice depends entirely on your individual expenses — and this calculator makes the comparison instant.
Step 1: Select Your Filing Status
Your filing status determines your standard deduction amount. For 2026: single filers get $15,000, married filing jointly get $30,000, head of household gets $22,500, and married filing separately get $15,000. This is your baseline — itemizing is only worthwhile if your eligible expenses exceed this amount.
Step 2: Enter Your Itemized Expenses
The main itemizable deductions include mortgage interest (no dollar limit for loans up to $750,000), state and local taxes (SALT cap of $10,000), charitable donations (generally up to 60% of AGI), and medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI. Only expenses that actually exceed the AGI thresholds are deductible — this calculator applies all limits automatically.
Understanding the SALT Cap
The $10,000 SALT (State and Local Tax) cap limits combined deductions for property taxes plus state income or sales taxes. If you live in a high-tax state like California or New York and own a home, this cap often significantly reduces the value of itemizing.
Medical Expenses Threshold
Only medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your AGI are deductible. For example, with $100,000 AGI, only medical costs above $7,500 can be itemized. If your total medical expenses are $12,000, you could deduct $4,500. The calculator applies this threshold automatically.
FAQ
Is this deduction comparison calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations happen locally in your browser.
Is my data private?
Absolutely. No data is sent to any server. All calculations run in your browser.
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
For 2026, the standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers, $30,000 for married filing jointly, and $22,500 for head of household. These amounts are adjusted annually for inflation.
What can I itemize on my taxes?
Common itemized deductions include mortgage interest, state and local taxes (SALT, capped at $10,000), charitable donations, and medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI. Miscellaneous deductions are no longer allowed under current law.
What is the SALT deduction cap?
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act capped the state and local tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000 ($5,000 for married filing separately). This limit applies to the combined deduction for state income taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes.
Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?
Take whichever gives you a larger deduction. Most taxpayers (about 90%) take the standard deduction because their itemized deductions don't exceed it. Use this calculator to compare both and choose the better option.