Deduction

• The standard tax deduction on personal tax returns is the fixed dollar amount that reduces the total amount of income on which a person pays taxes. This should not be confused with the dollar amount to be deducted from your tax liability, which would result in a different numerical result. An example of a standard deduction would be a single person making $45,000 a year, who is eligible for a $1,500 tax deduction. This person would be taxed on $43,500, the equivalent of $45,000 minus $1,500.
  
  

Filing Status

• The deduction amount for which a person qualifies can vary significantly depending on his filing status. If you cannot be claimed on anyone else's tax return as a dependent, your standard deduction amount will be higher than someone who is considered a dependent. While a person's status as single or married affects how his is taxed on income, the maximum deduction for singles under 65 and for married people filing separately is $5,700, and it is $11,400 for married individuals filing jointly.
  
  

Other Factors

• Some other factors that affect the amount of standard deductions a person can claim are age, disability and the number of dependents. If you are age 65 or older and file as head of household, which means that at least one person can be claimed as a dependent on your return, you can deduct a maximum of $9,800, and an additional $1,400 if you are blind. Those with dependent children can claim a maximum of $5,700 per child, with an additional deduction if the child is blind.
  
  

Itemized vs. Standard

• To take advantage of the maximum possible deduction, an individual must determine whether he should file for an itemized 1040A deduction or a standard tax deduction. If your itemized deductions are greater that the maximum allowed standard deduction, you should file an itemized deduction. For a more detailed explanation on deductibles you should contact the Internal Revenue Service or an accountant.