If someone can claim you as a dependent for 2012 under the tests at 21.1, your standard deduction is determined under the following rules. You may elect to itemize deductions if these exceed the allowable standard deduction. If you are married and your spouse itemizes on a separate return, you must itemize (13.2).
Your standard deduction is generally the greater of $950 or your earned income plus $300, but no more than the basic standard deduction for your filing status (13.1).
Your standard deduction consists of two parts. First, you can deduct the greater of $950 or your earned income plus $300, but no more than the basic standard deduction for your filing status (13.1). You then add $1,150 if you are married filing jointly or married filing separately, or $1,450 if single or head of household. Double the $1,150 or $1,450 amount if you are age 65 or older and also blind.
1. | Enter the larger of: $950, or Your earned income* in 2012 plus $300 |
$ _________ |
2. | Enter your basic standard deduction: Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er)—$11,900 Head of household—$8,700 Single or married filing separately—$5,950 |
_________ |
3. | Enter the smaller of Line 1 or 2 | _________ |
4. | If you are age 65 or older or blind (13.4), enter: $1,450 if you are single or head of household $1,150 if you are married filing jointly or separately If both age 65 or older and blind, the $1,450 or $1,150 amount is doubled to $2,900 or $2,300, respectively. |
_________ |
5. | Add Lines 3 and 4. This is your standard deduction for 2012. | _________ |
*Earned income. Include pay for services and taxable scholarships (33.1). Include net earnings from self-employment and then subtract the deductible part of self-employment tax liability (45.3) when figuring earned income. However, if your gross income (earned and unearned) for 2012 is $3,800 or more, you may be claimed as a dependent only if you are the qualifying child of another taxpayer (21.1).
18.222.21.175