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Standard Deduction
A fixed dollar amount that reduces taxable income — alternative to itemizing.
What it means
The standard deduction is automatically applied unless you itemize. As of 2025: $14,600 single, $29,200 married filing jointly. For most low- and middle-income donors, the standard deduction exceeds their itemized total, meaning vehicle donations don't reduce their tax. The donation still helps the charity; just not your federal tax.
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