Standard vs Itemized Deduction Calculator

With the increased standard deduction originally established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and now permanently extended by the One Big Beautiful Bill, you may be trying to determine whether you’re going to be better off taking the standard deduction or itemizing deductions this year.

While you may have itemized your tax deductions in the past, you may now benefit from taking the standard deduction, especially if the new standard deduction amount for your filing status is higher than your itemized tax deductions.

Alternatively, you may choose to itemize this year when you usually would have taken the standard deduction due to the increased SALT (state and local tax) deduction established by the recent tax reform.

If you’re not sure which is the better option this year, check out our Standard vs Itemized Tax Deduction Interactive Calculator.

Key takeaways

• Whether it’s better to take the standard deduction or itemize depends on whether the amount of your tax write-offs exceeds the standard deduction for your filing status.
• Our free standard vs. itemized deduction calculator makes it easy to estimate your deductions and decide which is right for you.
• The standard deduction was permanently increased with the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill.
• Several deductions were added or increased by the One, Big Beautiful Bill, including deductions for overtime income, tipped income, and car loan interest payments.

Itemized vs. standard deduction calculator

In just five quick screens, you’ll understand the changes in the standard and itemized deductions, you’ll get an estimate of your deductions based on inputs, and it will tell you whether it’s better to claim the standard or itemize. Lastly, the calculator will make recommendations for end-of-year tax moves you can make to increase your itemized deductions.

*Note our Standard vs. Itemized Deduction interactive has been updated for tax year 2024 (the taxes typically filed in 2025).

Should I take the standard deduction vs. itemize deductions?

You should generally go for the deduction that will offer you the bigger tax advantage for your individual circumstances. Below, we’ll give you an overview of what scenarios typically suit the standard or itemized deduction best.

When you should take the standard deduction

When deciding whether you should take the standard deduction vs. itemized deductions, it really comes down to what deductions you’d qualify for as well as what method results in a higher tax deduction.

The standard deduction is a set amount based on how you file your taxes, with additional benefits for those who are 65 and older or visually impaired. The 2025 standard deduction is:

• $15,750 for single filers ($14,600 in 2024)
• $15,750 for married, filing separately ($14,600 in 2024)
• $23,625 for heads of households ($21,900 in 2024)
• $31,500 for married, filing jointly ($29,200 in 2024)

As of July 4, 2025, the One Big, Beautiful Bill allows seniors who are 65 or older to deduct up to an additional $6,000 per eligible individual for tax years 2025 through 2028. For single filers, the deduction starts to phase out when the modified adjusted gross income is greater than $75,000, or $150,000 for those who are married filing jointly.

The IRS adjusts the standard deduction amounts each year to keep up with inflation. You’ll likely need to reexamine your expenses to decide which approach is right for you, especially if you have itemized deductions like home mortgage interest and property taxes.

If you’re considering taking the standard deduction, eligible itemized deductions such as mortgage interest, medical expenses, and charitable donations come play a factor when evaluating the best option for your tax situation.

Typically, if your standard deduction is higher than your itemized deductions, then the standard deduction is the better option. 

When you should take the itemized deduction

If your eligible expenses — like medical costs, mortgage interest, or charitable donations — add up to more than the standard deduction amount, then itemizing would be the better option to lower your tax bill since the eligible expenses would surpass the standard deduction amount.

Sometimes, there can be a situation where tax filers’ itemized deductions can equal the standard deduction ($15,750 single and $31,500 married filing jointly for tax year 2025). When that is the case, making a move like donating more to charity at the end of the tax year or making sure you don’t leave out charitable contributions at tax time can push your itemized deductions over the standard deduction amount.

When you’re trying to figure out which types of expenses might qualify, make sure to read up on overlooked deductions.

TurboTax asks you simple questions about your deductions and automatically calculates the tax benefit that gives you the best tax outcome (standard vs. itemized) based on your entries. You don’t need to know whether an expense is a standard deduction or an itemized deduction.

How the One Big Beautiful Bill could impact your decision

The One Big Beautiful Bill has established some new deductions for tax years 2025 through 2028 that you should be aware of:

• Car loan interest: You may be able to write off up to $10,000 in car loan interest per year. Note that you can only take the deduction if you have a qualified auto loan, your vehicle was assembled in the US, and you only drive your car for personal use. This deduction phases out for income over $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for married couples.
• Qualified overtime income: You can deduct qualified overtime income of up to $12,500 ($25,000 for married filing joint returns where both spouses have overtime income). Note that this deduction phases out for income above $150,000 (or $300,000 if filing jointly).
• Tip income: You can deduct tip income of up to $25,000 for tax years 2025-2028. This tax benefit begins to phase out for income over $150,000 (or $300,000 if filing jointly).

Additionally, the state and local tax (SALT) deduction increased. The cap for the SALT deduction was increased to $40,000 in 2025 and increases 1% each year through 2029. In tax year 2030, the deduction reverts back to $10,000. This deduction phases out for those with income levels over $500,000.

Choosing between standard and itemized deductions boils down to numbers. If your itemized deductions surpass the standard deduction, then take the itemized deductions. If the standard deduction is more beneficial, take that route. If your standard deduction is basically the same as your itemized, see if you have any itemized deductions (such as charitable contributions) that you are forgetting. These deductions would possibly bump you over the standard deduction and into itemizing your deductions.

Don’t worry about knowing how to figure out whether you can claim the standard or itemized deductions. No matter what moves you made last year, TurboTax will make them count on your taxes. Whether you want to do your taxes yourself or have a TurboTax expert file for you, we’ll make sure you get every dollar you deserve and your biggest possible refund — guaranteed.