Standard deduction

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section:

(1) For taxable periods ending before January 1, 1999, the standard deduction of a resident individual shall be $1,300, and the standard deduction of resident spouses shall be $1,600 if they file a joint return and $800 each if they file separate returns;

(2) For taxable periods beginning after December 31, 1998, and before January 1, 2000, the standard deduction of a resident individual shall be $3,250, and the standard deduction of resident spouses shall be $4,000 if they file a joint return and $2,000 each if they file separate returns; and

(3) For taxable periods beginning after December 31, 1999, the standard deduction of a resident individual shall be $3,250, and the standard deduction of resident spouses shall be $6,500 if they file a joint return and $3,250 each if they file separate returns.

(b) The sum of $2,500 shall be added to the standard deduction determined under subsection (a) of this section in each of the following circumstances:

(1) For the taxpayer who has attained the age of 65 before the close of the taxable year;

(2) For the spouse of the taxpayer if a joint return is not made by the taxpayer and the spouse, if the spouse has attained the age of 65 before the close of such taxable year and, for the calendar year in which the taxable year of the taxpayer begins, has no gross income and is not the dependent of another taxpayer;

(3) For the taxpayer who is blind at the close of the taxable year; and

(4) For the spouse of the taxpayer if a separate return is made by the taxpayer, and if the spouse is blind and, for the calendar year in which the taxable year of the taxpayer begins, has no gross income and is not the dependent of another taxpayer. For purposes of this paragraph (b)(4), the determination of whether the spouse is blind shall be made as of the close of the taxable year of the taxpayer, except that if the spouse dies during such taxable year such determination shall be made as of the time of such death.