Itemized Deductions

When you fill out your tax return for 2010, you’ll have to choose whether to itemize deductions or claim a standard deduction. If you itemize, you’ll deduct certain amounts you spent this year on charitable donations, mortgage interest, and so on. You may, instead, claim a standard deduction. For 2010, the standard deduction is $11,400 for married couples filing a joint return; 5,700 for singles and married individuals filing separately; and $8,400 for heads of household. Taxpayers who are over age 65 receive an additional standard deduction: $1,400 for single taxpayers and $1,100 apiece for married taxpayers in 2010. Similar deductions are available to the blind. If you qualify on both counts, you’ll get two deductions. Possible tax break For