Filing taxes often comes down to one big decision: should you take the standard deduction or choose to itemize? While itemizing can unlock tax deductions for items such as mortgage interest, medical expenses, and charitable contributions, it’s not always the best path for everyone. The majority of taxpayers actually benefit more from the standard deduction, and the good news is, you can still claim plenty of tax breaks even if you don’t itemize.
Standard vs. Itemized Deductions
When you file your taxes, you must choose between taking the standard deduction and itemizing. The standard deduction is a flat amount that reduces your taxable income, while itemizing requires you to track and report specific deductible expenses. The choice depends on which option lowers your tax liability the most.
- Standard Deduction: A flat deduction that lowers your taxable income without needing to track individual expenses. For 2024, the standard deduction is $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married couples filing jointly.
- Itemized Deductions: Instead of the flat deduction, you tally specific qualifying expenses like mortgage interest, state and local taxes (SALT), medical expenses, or large charitable contributions. This only makes sense if your total itemized deductions are higher than the standard deduction.
Above-the-Line Deductions You Can Claim Without Itemizing
Above-the-line deductions are valuable because they reduce your adjusted gross income (AGI) and are available to everyone, regardless of whether you itemize. These deductions not only lower taxable income but may also make you eligible for other tax credits.
- Educator Expenses: Teachers can deduct up to $300 (or $600 for married couples who both qualify) for classroom supplies.
- Student Loan Interest: Deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid on qualified student loans, subject to income limits.
- Traditional IRA Contributions: Depending on your income and coverage under a workplace retirement plan, contributions may be deductible.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions: If you have a high-deductible health plan, your contributions are tax-deductible.
- Self-Employment Deductions: Freelancers and business owners can deduct health insurance premiums, part of self-employment tax, home office expenses, and more.
Tax Credits Available to Non-Itemizers
Tax credits provide some of the biggest opportunities for savings because they directly reduce the amount of tax you owe. Even if you don’t itemize, there are still several credits you may be eligible to claim.
- Child Tax Credit & Credit for Other Dependents: Helps offset the costs of raising children or supporting dependents.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Designed for lower-to-moderate income earners, this credit can increase your refund significantly.
- Education Tax Credits: The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and Lifetime Learning Credit can help with the cost of tuition and other education expenses.
What’s Changing in 2026: Charitable Contributions
One important change coming in 2026 is the expansion of charitable contribution deductions for taxpayers who don’t itemize. This will allow more people to benefit from giving back to their communities.
- Up to $1,000 for single filers.
- Up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.
What You Can’t Deduct Without Itemizing
While non-itemizers have access to many deductions and credits, there are still certain tax breaks reserved only for those who itemize. Knowing the difference ensures you make the most strategic filing decision.
- Medical Expenses (unless they exceed 7.5% of your AGI).
- Mortgage Interest, SALT, and other common itemized deductions.
Making the Most of Your Tax Benefits
Even if you don’t itemize, you still have access to a wide range of deductions and credits that can help lower your tax bill. These include above-the-line deductions like educator expenses, student loan interest, traditional IRA contributions, HSA contributions, and self-employment deductions. You can also claim powerful credits such as the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and education tax credits. And starting in 2026, even non-itemizers will be able to deduct charitable contributions.
Choosing between the standard deduction and itemizing depends on your financial situation, but either way, you can still take advantage of valuable tax benefits. Above-the-line deductions and tax credits ensure that non-itemizers aren’t left behind, and with new charitable contribution rules on the horizon, opportunities to save are expanding.
At Scout Tax, our mission is to help you navigate these decisions with confidence. We take the complexity out of tax planning so you can focus on your financial goals.
Don’t miss out on valuable savings. Contact Scout Tax today to maximize your deductions, claim the credits you deserve, and make tax season stress-free.
