The standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that reduces the amount of income on which you are taxed. Most taxpayers are eligible to claim the standard deduction, but there are some exceptions. This article will discuss who is not eligible for the standard deduction.
Taxpayers Who Are Not Eligible for the Standard Deduction
The following taxpayers are not eligible to claim the standard deduction:
- Married individuals filing separately whose spouse itemizes deductions: If you are married and filing a separate tax return, you cannot claim the standard deduction if your spouse itemizes deductions.
- Nonresident aliens and dual-status aliens: Nonresident aliens are generally not eligible to claim the standard deduction. However, there are some exceptions for nonresident aliens who are married to U.S. citizens or resident aliens. Dual-status aliens are also generally not eligible to claim the standard deduction.
- Individuals who file a return for a period of less than 12 months due to a change in their annual accounting period: If you file a tax return for a period of less than 12 months due to a change in your annual accounting period, you cannot claim the standard deduction.
- Individuals who are filing as an estate or trust, common trust fund, or partnership: Estates, trusts, common trust funds, and partnerships are not eligible to claim the standard deduction.
Additional Information
If you are not eligible to claim the standard deduction, you may still be able to reduce your taxable income by itemizing your deductions. Itemized deductions are expenses that are allowed by law to be subtracted from your income before you calculate your taxes. Some common itemized deductions include mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and state and local taxes.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible to claim the standard deduction, you should consult with a tax professional.
The standard deduction is a valuable tax break that can reduce your tax liability. However, not all taxpayers are eligible to claim the standard deduction. If you are not sure whether you are eligible, you should consult with a tax professional.
Additional Resources
- IRS Publication 501, Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information
- IRS Topic No. 551, Standard Deduction
- CCH AnswerConnect: Taxpayers Ineligible for Standard Deduction
FAQs
- Who is not eligible for the standard deduction?
- Married individuals filing separately whose spouse itemizes deductions, nonresident aliens and dual-status aliens, individuals who file a return for a period of less than 12 months due to a change in their annual accounting period, and individuals who are filing as an estate or trust, common trust fund, or partnership are not eligible for the standard deduction.
- Can I itemize my deductions if I am not eligible for the standard deduction?
- Yes, you can still itemize your deductions if you are not eligible for the standard deduction.
- What are some common itemized deductions?
- Some common itemized deductions include mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and state and local taxes.
Itemized Deduction vs. Standard Deduction, Explained.
FAQ
Is everyone eligible for standard deduction?
Which of the following would be ineligible to take the standard deduction?
Can seniors claim standard deduction?
Who is not eligible for the standard deduction?
See Persons not eligible for the standard deduction, earlier. If you are married filing a separate return and your spouse itemizes deductions, or if you are a dual-status alien, you can’t take the standard deduction even if you were born before January 2, 1959, or are blind.
Who is eligible for an increased standard deduction?
An increased standard deduction is available to taxpayers who are 65 or older or blind. There are limitations on the standard deduction for taxpayers who can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. The Volunteer Resource Guide, Tab F, Deductions, includes references for calculating the standard deduction.
Can I take the standard deduction if I’m 65?
In general, the standard deduction is adjusted each year for inflation and varies according to your filing status, whether you’re 65 or older and/or blind, and whether another taxpayer can claim you as a dependent. The standard deduction isn’t available to certain taxpayers. You can’t take the standard deduction if you itemize your deductions.
Can a person claim a standard deduction as a dependent?
If you can be claimed as a dependent on another person’s return (such as your parents’ return), your standard deduction may be limited. See Standard Deduction for Dependents, later. The standard deduction amount depends on your filing status, whether you are 65 or older or blind, and whether another taxpayer can claim you as a dependent.