Why is the IRS std. deduction for singles only 5350? Shouldn’t it increase at the same % your income increases

October 31st, 2009
Joe . asked:


Exactly how is it figured. I assume it is tied to inflation or something or only goes up by a few % points each year, but how is that right that your income goes up by 50%, but your deduction only goes up by 5%.

2 Responses to “Why is the IRS std. deduction for singles only 5350? Shouldn’t it increase at the same % your income increases”

  1. bostonianinmo Says:

    The standard deduction is set by law, not by income. It’s indexed to inflation. Your wages are NOT indexed to inflation if they went up by 50%!

  2. heyteach Says:

    This is the precious “progressive” or “graduated” income tax system at work. Remember how “the rich should pay more”? Well the more you earn, the greater the PERCENTAGE take from the government. If the deduction were a percentage then we would be told how “the rich” are getting unfair tax breaks.
    Every time you hear a pol use a term like “the rich” you SHOULD note that he will NOT define it and very likely YOU are “the rich” to him.