Compare the standard deduction with itemizing: test your skills
You take whichever is larger. Most people take the standard deduction — and from 2026, non-itemisers can also deduct some cash gifts to charity. Answer each question to see the explanation; your score appears at the end.
This test checks that you can
- Compare standard and itemised deductions
- Know the main itemised categories
- Use the 2026 non-itemiser charitable deduction
- Practice
1. You should usually…
- Practice
2. From 2026, non-itemisers can deduct cash charity gifts up to…
- Practice
3. “Bunching” means…
- Key idea
4. Which statement best explains "Take the larger one"?
- Key idea
5. Which statement best explains "Most take the standard deduction"?
- Key idea
6. Which statement best explains "Bunching can help"?
- Action plan
7. In the action plan, which step comes first?
- Mistake to avoid
8. Which of these is a mistake this lesson warns against?
- Mistake to avoid
9. Which of these is a mistake this lesson warns against?
Your itemised costs total $16,400 and your standard deduction is $15,000. Which do you take, and by how much does it beat the other?
Show the answer
Itemise; $1,400 more
$16,400 − $15,000 = $1,400.
Add up last year’s mortgage interest, state and local taxes and donations, and compare with your standard deduction.
More tests in this bootcamp
- Read tax brackets one layer at a time
- Tell a tax credit from a tax deduction
- Compare the standard deduction with itemizing
- Check sales tax before the receipt surprises you
- Keep the receipt records that matter at tax time
- Understand why holding time changes capital gains taxes
- Understand tax-loss harvesting and the wash-sale rule
- Plan for taxes as a W-2 employee or 1099 contractor
- Keep charitable giving records and understand the tax rules
- Know when your taxes need a professional
- Final exam: Taxes