Standard Deduction
| Standard Deductions | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 |
| Joint or Qualifying Widow(er) | 10,900 | 10,700 | 10,300 |
| Single | 5,450 | 5,350 | 5,150 |
| Head of Household | 8,000 | 7,850 | 7,550 |
| Married Filing Separately | 5,450 | 5,350 | 5,150 |
| Additional for Elderly/Blind-Married | 1,050 | 1,050 | 1,000 |
| Additional for Elderly/Blind-Unmarried | 1,350 | 1,300 | 1,250 |
| Taxpayer Claimed as a Dependent | 900 | 850 | 850 |
| Personal/Dependent Exemption | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 |
| Subject to phase out for high income taxpayers | 3,500 | 3,400 | 3,300 |
About the Standard Deduction
All taxpayers are entitled to a standard deduction, that amount of income that is not subject to income tax. Many taxpayers can further reduce their income tax liability by opting to itemize deductions. Your preparer should compare your standard deduction with your total itemized deductions to determine which method is best for you.
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