The standard deduction method eliminates the need for you to go through all that hassle, saving you a lot of time and effort. If you decide to use the standard deduction method, you are not allowed to itemize deductions.

If you are married and you are filing jointly with your spouse, you will be entitled to a standard deduction of $11,600. Widows and widowers who are eligible for standard deduction will also get this same amount. If you are a dependent, the amount of standard deduction that you will get can range from $950 to $5,700.
If you are married and filing separately, you are not allowed to choose a deduction method that is different from your spouse’s. Both of you have to use either the standard deduction method or the itemized deduction method. You and your spouse can try to itemize your deductions one year and use the standard deduction another year to find out which method yields the best savings. People who are 65 years old and above or legally blind will be entitled to an additional standard deduction. Singles and heads of households will get $1,450 more than the regular standard deductions, and married persons and widows will receive an additional $1,150.