First adopted in 1975, the Federal Rules of Evidence codify the evidence law that applies in United States federal courts.
There are some cases where adjustments should be made to the standard deduction. For example, if you are 65 or older, or if you are blind, the standard deduction increases. To lower your tax burden this year by up to $5,000, consider opening up an IRA (Individual Retirement Account). Mint.com has an IRA wizard that can show you what kind of IRA to open and where to open it. The personal exemption is another deduction to your income that you can take for yourself and for any dependents.
Tweet. The standard deduction is a fixed amount, based on your filing status, that reduces your taxable income. You can use either the standard deduction or your actual itemized deductions on Form 1040, but not both. The standard deduction for a single person or a married person filing separately is $6,200 (2014). Married couples filing jointly have a standard deduction of exactly twice as much as a single person's, at $12,400. If you file as a head of household, your standard deduction is $9,100.