Why did they take away the personal exemption?

Taxpayers, their spouses, and qualifying dependents were able to claim a personal exemption. The personal exemption was eliminated in 2017 as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

What would qualify as a personal exemption?

A personal exemption is an amount of money that you could deduct for yourself, and for each of your dependents, on your tax return. That means you cannot claim any personal exemptions on your 2018 taxes. You may still need to use the exemption if you are filing an amended return for 2017 or any year before that.

Should I claim a personal exemption for myself?

Should you claim a personal exemption for yourself and for your spouse on your return? Generally, tax exemptions reduce the taxable income on a return. You can claim a personal exemption for yourself unless someone else can claim you as a dependent. Note that’s if they can claim you, not whether they actually do.

Can I claim a personal exemption for myself?

You can claim a personal exemption for yourself unless someone else can claim you as a dependent. If your gross income is over the filing threshold and no one can claim you as a dependent, you can claim a personal exemption for yourself when you file your return.

Is the personal exemption eliminated?

Personal Exemption Deduction Eliminated Personal exemption deductions for yourself, your spouse, or your dependents have been eliminated beginning after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2026. Resources: Tax Tips: Tax Reform Tax Tip 2019-140, Tax Reform Tax Tip 2019-27, Tax Reform Tax Tip 2019-35.

What was the IRS standard deduction for 2016?

$9,300
For 2016 the standard deduction for heads of household will also rise to $9,300 (up from $9,250 in 2015) but the other standard deduction amounts will remain the same: $6,300 for singles and $12,600 for married couples filing jointly. Personal exemptions will be $4,050 in 2016, up from $4,000 in 2015.

What is the IRS personal deduction?

The standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that reduces your taxable income. For the 2021 tax year, the standard deduction is $12,550 for single filers and married filing separately, $25,100 for joint filers and $18,800 for head of household.