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Should I itemize or take the standard deduction?

David TalleyUpdated December 10, 2025

Quick Answer

Take the standard deduction ($15,750 single, $31,500 married filing jointly for 2025) unless your itemized deductions exceed these amounts. Most people benefit from the standard deduction since the 2017 tax law changes. However, if you have significant mortgage interest, property taxes, medical expenses, or charitable giving, itemizing might save you more.

The math here is simpler than people make it. The standard deduction for 2025 is $15,750 if you're single, $31,500 if you're married filing jointly. If your itemizable stuff adds up to more than that, itemize. If not, take the standard.

When itemizing usually wins: - You have a mortgage with significant interest (especially in early years) - Property taxes plus mortgage interest exceed $10,000 (though the SALT cap is $40,000 for 2025 (phasing down above $500,000 of income)) - Major medical expenses in a given year - Substantial charitable giving
The reality for most people: After the 2017 tax law doubled the standard deduction and capped state and local taxes at $10,000 (raised to $40,000 by the 2025 tax law), about 90% of taxpayers take the standard deduction. That's not a bad thing, it's simpler.
Here's the nuance most people miss: Even if you take the standard deduction, some deductions are "above the line." That means you get them regardless: - Student loan interest (up to $2,500) - Educator expenses ($300) - HSA contributions - Self-employment health insurance - IRA contributions
The strategy play: If you're close to the itemizing threshold, consider "bunching" deductions. Make two years of charitable contributions in one year, push medical procedures into the same calendar year. Alternate between itemizing and taking the standard deduction year over year.

This is exactly the kind of thing we look at during tax planning, not just filing what happened, but optimizing across years.

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