Every tax season, one of the first questions we hear from Tucson families and business owners is a simple one: should I take the standard deduction or itemize? It’s a great question — and for most filers, the answer is more straightforward than the tax code makes it look. Here’s a plain-English rundown from the team at Bornstein Tax Services.

What is the standard deduction?

The standard deduction is a flat dollar amount the IRS lets you subtract from your income before your tax is calculated. No receipts, no itemized lists, no math — you simply claim it based on your filing status. Because it’s automatic and generous, the large majority of taxpayers take it.

The amount is adjusted for inflation every year. For the 2024 tax year (the return most people file in early 2025), the standard deduction is:

  • Single or Married Filing Separately — $14,600
  • Married Filing Jointly — $29,200
  • Head of Household — $21,900

Standard vs. itemizing — the basic trade-off

You get to take whichever is larger: the standard deduction, or the total of your itemized deductions. Itemizing (on Schedule A) can come out ahead when you have significant:

  • Mortgage interest on your home
  • State and local taxes, up to the current SALT cap
  • Charitable donations
  • Large out-of-pocket medical expenses

If those don’t add up to more than your standard deduction, the standard deduction usually wins — and it’s far less paperwork.

A few situations that change the math

Age 65 or older, or blind. You qualify for an additional standard deduction on top of the base amount.

Homeowners with a mortgage. Mortgage interest and property taxes can tip the scales toward itemizing.

A big charitable year. A large donation can make itemizing worthwhile.

Self-employed or running a business. Your business expenses are deducted separately on Schedule C — so keeping clean books matters. That’s where our bookkeeping and small business consulting come in.

Not sure which way saves you more? That’s exactly what we do — our team runs the numbers both ways so you never leave money on the table. Send us a message or call 520-622-3976.

How Bornstein Tax Services can help

For over 35 years, our family-owned Tucson firm has helped Southern Arizona individuals and businesses make sense of the tax code. Whether you need straightforward tax preparation, ongoing payroll and bookkeeping, or guidance starting a new business, we’re here to help — in English or Spanish.

Use the form below to reach out, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

This article is general information for educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Standard deduction amounts and tax rules change from year to year — always confirm the current figures and how they apply to your situation with a qualified professional. Figures shown are for the 2024 tax year.