Standard Deductions Increase Slightly for 2011 Tax Returns

On Thursday the IRS released the standard deduction amounts for 2011.  This will affect your 2011 tax return that you'll file in 2012.

• The personal exemption amount will increase to $3,700 (up from $3,650 for 2010 returns).
• The standard deduction for married couples will be 11,600 (up $200 from 2010); $5,800 for single and married filing separately (up $100); and $8,500 for head of household (up $100).
• The tax bracket thresholds will increase slightly.  For example, the 25% tax bracket for a married couple will begin at $69,000 (up $1,000 from 2010).

Read more in this IRS news release.