Income Tax CalculatorSpecialized Version
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Tax Deduction Calculator

Deductions

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute tax advice. Actual taxes may vary based on individual circumstances. Consult a tax professional for accurate tax planning.

Tax Deduction Calculator

Compare standard vs. itemized deductions to minimize your tax liability. Take the higher deduction to reduce taxable income.

2024 Standard Deductions

Filing StatusStandard DeductionAge 65+/Blind (Additional)
Single$14,600+$1,950
Married Filing Jointly$29,200+$1,550 per spouse
Married Filing Separately$14,600+$1,550
Head of Household$21,900+$1,950

Common Itemized Deductions

CategoryDeductible ItemsLimits
State/Local Taxes (SALT)Income, property, sales tax$10,000 cap
Mortgage InterestInterest on first $750k of debtPrimary + second home
Charitable GivingCash, property donationsUp to 60% of AGI
Medical ExpensesOut-of-pocket costsExceeding 7.5% of AGI

Deduction Calculator

``javascript function calculateDeductions(itemizedExpenses, filingStatus = 'single', age65 = false) { const standardDeduction = { single: 14600, married: 29200, separate: 14600, head: 21900 };

const extraDeduction = { single: 1950, married: 1550, separate: 1550, head: 1950 };

let standard = standardDeduction[filingStatus]; if (age65) standard += extraDeduction[filingStatus];

// Calculate itemized total with SALT cap const saltCapped = Math.min(itemizedExpenses.salt || 0, 10000); const totalItemized = saltCapped + (itemizedExpenses.mortgage || 0) + (itemizedExpenses.charity || 0) + Math.max(0, (itemizedExpenses.medical || 0) - (itemizedExpenses.agi * 0.075));

const bestChoice = totalItemized > standard ? 'itemize' : 'standard';

return { standardDeduction: standard, itemizedTotal: totalItemized.toFixed(2), recommendation: bestChoice, taxSavings: Math.max(standard, totalItemized) }; } ``

Should You Itemize? Quick Check

If you have...Standard likely winsItemize likely wins
Mortgage interestSmall mortgage or paid offLarge mortgage, early years
Property tax + state taxUnder $10k combinedNear $10k (SALT cap)
Charitable givingSmall donationsLarge donations
Medical expensesLow/moderate costsMajor medical year

Tax Savings Example

DeductionAmountTax Savings (22% bracket)
Standard ($14,600)$14,600$3,212
Itemized ($20,000)$20,000$4,400
Extra benefit$5,400$1,188

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?

Take whichever is higher. Since the 2017 tax law nearly doubled the standard deduction, about 90% of filers now take the standard deduction. Itemize only if your mortgage interest, SALT (capped at $10k), charitable giving, and medical expenses exceed the standard deduction.

What happened to the SALT deduction?

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction is capped at $10,000 ($5,000 married separate). This cap combines state income tax (or sales tax) and property tax. High-tax state residents often hit this cap, limiting the value of itemizing.

Can I take the standard deduction and also deduct charitable contributions?

For 2024, you must itemize to deduct charitable contributions—the temporary $300-$600 above-the-line deduction expired. However, contributions to qualified charities reduce your itemized total if you choose to itemize.

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