2026 Federal Tax Planning

Should I Itemize?

Compare eligible expenses with the standard-deduction route, including 2026 cash-gift rules.

Compare the two deduction routes

Enter expected full-year 2026 amounts. Only enter expenses that actually qualify.

How will you file?Use the status you actually qualify for.

Your adjusted gross income (AGI)Income after eligible adjustments—not take-home pay or taxable income after deductions.

Eligible home-mortgage interestInterest that qualifies under IRS mortgage/debt limits—not principal or your whole mortgage payment.

Eligible state and local taxesProperty tax plus either state/local income OR sales tax. No federal tax; do not count income and sales tax together.

Unreimbursed eligible medical expensesNo amounts reimbursed or paid with tax-free HSA/FSA money.

Eligible cash gifts to public charitiesCash/check/card gifts only; no noncash gifts, private-foundation gifts or carryovers.

Were you born before January 2, 1962?

Are you legally blind?

Was your spouse born before January 2, 1962?

Is your spouse legally blind?

Will your spouse itemize their separate return?If yes, you cannot use the standard deduction.

Are you eligible for this simple deduction comparison?U.S. resident for the full year, not someone’s dependent; eligible expenses properly allocated to you; no special casualty losses or donation carryovers. Amounts are confirmed deductible under the relevant IRS rules.

This tool calculates in your browser tab and does not submit these amounts. No SSNs, bank details or tax documents are needed.