Key Inflation Adjustments for the 2026 Tax Year

Ahead of schedule, the IRS has released some key inflation adjustments for use in the 2026 tax year. As expected, under the OBBB, the standard deduction increased to $16,100 for single filers in 2026 ($32,200 for married taxpayers and $24,150 for heads of households). The additional standard deduction amount for the aged or the blind is $1,650. The additional standard deduction amount is increased to $2,050 if the individual is also unmarried and not a surviving spouse. Notably, under the OBBB, a portion of the adoption tax credit is now refundable. The refundable portion for 2026 is $5,120 (the maximum adoption tax credit for 2026 is $17,670, which begins to phase out for taxpayers with MAGI in excess of $265,080 and completely phases out once a taxpayer's MAGI reaches $305,080). As expected, the maximum refundable portion of the child tax credit is $1,700 in 2026 (the total credit under the OBBB is limited to $2,200 per qualifying child). The deduction for expenses of elementary and secondary educators increased to $350 for 2026. For more information on the credits that may be taken by taxpayers, visit Tax Facts Online. Read More: Link to Q758. Note: Q758, 8521, 715 are updated.