Standard vs Itemized Deduction Calculator
Add up your itemized deductions and compare them to the standard deduction to see which one lowers your taxable income more.
How it works
Itemized = mortgage interest + min(SALT, $10,000) + charity + other · Claim whichever is larger: itemized or the standard deduction
You may reduce taxable income by either a flat standard deduction or the sum of your itemized deductions — never both. Since the 2017 tax law nearly doubled the standard deduction and capped state-and-local taxes at $10,000, most filers now come out ahead with the standard deduction. Itemizing usually wins only when a large mortgage, heavy charitable giving, or big medical bills push the total above the standard amount.
Worked example
A single filer with $9,000 mortgage interest, $12,000 of SALT (capped to $10,000), and $3,000 in donations has $22,000 of itemized deductions. That beats the $14,600 standard deduction by $7,400, so itemizing is the better choice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take both the standard and itemized deduction?
No. You must choose one for the year. Add up your itemized deductions and compare the total to your standard deduction, then claim whichever is larger.
Why is my SALT number capped?
State and local income, sales, and property taxes are jointly limited to $10,000 per return ($5,000 if married filing separately). Amounts above that do not count toward itemized deductions.
Should most people itemize?
No. After the standard deduction was roughly doubled, the large majority of filers claim it because their itemized total falls short. Itemizing tends to win only with a sizable mortgage, big charitable gifts, or high medical costs.
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Educational estimate, not tax advice. Uses recent federal parameters that change yearly and ignores your full situation — confirm with a tax professional or the IRS.