Posted on February 17, 2026

There are several new tax deductions that have been introduced for the 2026 filing season. A deduction is an amount subtracted from the taxpayer’s income when filing. Deductions lower the taxable income, resulting in lowering the federal income tax obligation. 

New Deductions for 2026 Filing Season  

•  Seniors age 65 and older may be eligible to claim an additional $6,000 deduction.  
•  Tipped workers may be eligible to deduct up to $25,000 for qualified tips.  
•  Individuals may be eligible to deduct up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers) for qualified overtime.  
•  Individuals may deduct up to $10,000 in qualified passenger vehicle loan interest.  

All new or enhanced deductions are available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers. Each of these deductions phases out based on income level for individual and joint filers and has specific eligibility requirements. This information can be found on the One, Big, Beautiful Bill provisions page for individuals and workers. 

Standard Deduction Amounts for Tax Year 2025 

The standard deduction is a flat amount based on federal income tax filing status (single, married filing separately, married filing jointly, head of household, or qualifying surviving spouse). The IRS adjusts the standard deduction annually for inflation.  

•  $15,750 for single or married filing separately  
•  $31,500 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying surviving spouse  
• $23,625 for head of household  

Most people take the standard deduction. However, some may not be eligible to take it, or if deductible expenses and losses are more than the standard deduction, taxpayers have the option to itemize deductions. 

Itemized deductions are subject to certain dollar limitations. They can include amounts paid during the taxable year for: state and local income or sales taxes, real property taxes, personal property taxes, mortgage interest, disaster losses, gifts to charities, certain gambling losses, and medical and dental expenses. 

Important Reminder 

Taxpayers are reminded that they need documents to show expenses or losses they want to deduct. Tax software will calculate deductions and enter them in the right forms. 

Taxpayers who earned less than $89,000 in 2025 can use Free File guided tax software to prepare and electronically file their 2025 federal income tax returns for free. All taxpayers can use Free File Fillable Forms regardless of income level. 

The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant can help a person decide if they're eligible for many popular tax credits and deductions.