Your 2026 deductions
Used for medical floor and marginal rate calculation
Capped at $40,400 (OBBBA). Phase-down above $505,000 AGI.
Deductible on up to $750,000 acquisition debt
Cash contributions limited to 60% of AGI
Only deductible above 7.5% of AGI ($9,000 floor)
Your 2026 result
| SALT deduction | $12,000 |
| Mortgage interest | $15,000 |
| Charitable contributions | $5,000 |
| Medical deduction | $0 |
| Other deductions | $0 |
| Total itemized | $32,000 |
$15,900 extra deduction × 24% marginal rate = $3,816 in federal tax
- SALT cap raised from $10,000 to $40,400
- Phase-down for AGI above $505,000 (single) at 30% of excess
- Phase-down floor: $10,000
- Cap indexed at 1% annually through 2029
What is How to Use the Standard vs Itemized Deduction Calculator?
When filing your federal tax return, you must choose between the standard deduction (a fixed amount based on filing status) or itemizing your individual deductions. This calculator helps you determine which option saves you more money for 2026.
How to Use
- Select your filing status
- Enter your adjusted gross income
- Input your state and local taxes (SALT)
- Add your mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and medical expenses
- See which deduction method saves you more and by how much
Why Use This Tool?
Tips & Best Practices
- The OBBBA raised the SALT cap from $10,000 to $40,400, making itemizing worthwhile for many more homeowners
- About 90% of taxpayers take the standard deduction — but if you own a home with a mortgage in a high-tax state, itemizing may save thousands
- Consider bunching charitable contributions: give two years of donations in one year to exceed the standard deduction, then take standard the next year
- Medical expenses are only deductible above 7.5% of your AGI — most healthy taxpayers get no medical deduction
- The SALT cap phase-down applies to taxpayers with MAGI above $505,000 (single)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?
Take the standard deduction if your total itemized deductions are less than the standard deduction for your filing status. Itemize only if your total exceeds the standard deduction. About 90% of taxpayers take the standard deduction.
What is the 2026 standard deduction?
For 2026, the standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household. Additional amounts apply if you are 65+ or blind.
What changed with the SALT deduction in 2026?
Under the OBBBA, the SALT cap increased from $10,000 to $40,400 for 2026. However, the cap phases down for high-income taxpayers with MAGI above $505,000 (single) or $252,500 (MFS). The floor is $10,000.
What deductions can I itemize?
Common itemized deductions include: state and local taxes (SALT, capped at $40,400), mortgage interest on up to $750,000 of debt, charitable contributions (up to 60% of AGI for cash), and medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI.
What is deduction bunching?
Deduction bunching means concentrating two years of charitable giving into one year to exceed the standard deduction threshold, then taking the standard deduction in the alternate year. This can save more tax than spreading donations evenly.