The Standard Deduction

Almost any taxpayer who does not wish to itemize deductions in any particular year can choose to use the standard deduction. For 2013, the standard deduction amounts for most individuals are:

For those who can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return, the standard deduction is limited to the greater of $1,000, or the dependent's earned income plus $350. However, the dependent's standard deduction can not be greater than the normal deduction for someone with the same filing status; for example, a single dependent with earned income of $8,000 can't claim a standard deduction higher than $6,100.

Those who are 65 years old or older at the end of the year, or who are blind, or who file jointly with a spouse who has one or both of these attributes, get a higher standard deduction.

Warning Married individuals who file separately can only claim the increased deduction for their spouse if they can claim the spouse as a dependent.

• Unmarried individuals or heads of household are entitled to an additional $1,450 if they are blind or 65 or older. Thus, they should add the following amounts to the basic standard deduction
• 65 or older OR blind . . . . . . . . . . $1,500
• 65 or older AND blind . . . . . . . . . $3,000
• Married individuals or surviving spouses are entitled to an additional $1,200 if they are blind or age 65 or older.
• 65 or older OR blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,200
• 65 or older AND blind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,400
• Both spouses 65 or older OR blind . . . . . . . . . $2,400
• Both spouses 65 or older AND blind . . . . . .. . . $4,800

Example Sarah and Jay Jackson are both over age 65 at the end of 2013, and Sarah is blind. They are filing a joint tax return. Their standard deduction for 2013 is computed as follows: Basic standard deduction, married filing jointly = $12,200 Both spouses age 65 or older = $2,400 One spouse blind = $1,200 Standard deduction allowed for Sarah and Jay = $15,800

Claiming the standard deduction. To claim the standard deduction, enter the appropriate amount on Line 40 of your Form 1040, Line 24 of Form 1040A, or Line 5 of Form 1040EZ.

If you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) are over age 65 and/or blind, you must use Form 1040A or 1040, and you'll also have to check boxes showing your status on Line 39a (Form 1040) or Line 23a (Form 1040A).

You should be aware that there are a few people who are ineligible to use the standard deduction.