Standard vs Itemized Deduction Calculator
This calculator compares the federal standard deduction to an estimate of your total itemized deductions and shows which option yields a lower taxable income. It applies common rules including the SALT ($10,000) cap and the medical deduction threshold (7.5% of AGI).
Use the fields to enter your adjusted gross income and the itemized categories you expect to claim. The tool is an estimation aid only; final filing should follow current IRS guidance and review by a tax professional where appropriate.
Side-by-side comparison of the two outcomes and a recommended choice based on lower taxable income.
Inputs
Results
Taxable income difference (standard − itemized)
$2,150.00
Recommended choice
—
| Output | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Taxable income difference (standard − itemized) | $2,150.00 | USD |
| Recommended choice | — | — |
Visualization
Methodology
We compute the standard outcome by subtracting the standard deduction amount you provide from AGI to get taxable income (not including credits or other adjustments).
For itemized deductions we total allowed categories: mortgage interest, state and local taxes (SALT) subject to a $10,000 cap, charitable contributions, deductible medical expenses (amount that exceeds 7.5% of AGI), and any other deductible items you enter.
Comparison is done on taxable income after deductions. The option that yields the lower taxable income is presented as the recommended choice in this calculator.
Worked examples
Example 1: AGI $60,000, mortgage interest $8,000, SALT $7,000, property tax $3,000, charitable $1,000. SALT capped at $10,000; compare totals to standard deduction to decide.
Example 2: If you have significant unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of AGI, those amounts can make itemizing advantageous even when other categories are modest.
Key takeaways
This tool estimates whether you should itemize or claim the standard deduction based on entered figures. It is focused on U.S. federal deduction rules commonly relevant to individual filers.
Always confirm deduction values and eligibility with the current IRS rules for the tax year you are filing and consult a qualified tax advisor for complex situations.
Further resources
Expert Q&A
Does this calculator include tax credits or compute tax liability?
No. This tool compares deductions only and shows resulting taxable income. It does not calculate tax liability, tax credits, alternative minimum tax, or state tax returns.
How is the SALT cap handled?
State and local taxes plus property taxes are summed and capped at $10,000 for the federal deduction per current common rules. Enter the amounts you actually paid; the calculator applies the cap automatically.
How are medical expenses treated?
Only the portion of unreimbursed medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI is potentially deductible. The calculator subtracts 7.5% of AGI from your medical expenses to determine the deductible portion.
Are the standard deduction defaults guaranteed accurate?
Default standard deduction values may be prefilled for convenience but tax law and inflation adjustments change annually. Verify the correct standard deduction for the tax year you are filing with the IRS before relying on results.
Is this a substitute for professional tax advice?
No. This calculator is an estimate and educational tool. For decisions that materially affect tax liability, consult a licensed tax professional.
Sources & citations
- IRS: Credits and deductions for individuals — https://www.irs.gov/credits-and-deductions-for-individuals
- IRS: Publication describing standard deduction and itemized deductions (general guidance) — https://www.irs.gov/publications
- NIST Special Publication on data integrity and system controls (example guidance) — https://www.nist.gov/publications
- ISO 9001 — Quality management systems (applies to processes and accuracy controls) — https://www.iso.org/iso-9001-quality-management.html
- IEEE standards overview (recommended for testing and verification practices) — https://standards.ieee.org/