The standard deduction reduces the amount of income that is taxable for individuals and families. It is claimed as a deduction on the taxpayer’s 1040 form, which results in a lower total tax due because taxes are calculated on the adjusted (lower) taxable income amount.
The deducted amount does not need to be itemized or documented. Instead, it is a flat amount applied to all filers who choose to claim it. Generally speaking, when taxpayers have fewer deductions than the standard deductions available to them, claiming the standard deduction will result in lower taxes owed.