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standard deduction amount is increased to $1,650 if the individual is also unmarried and not a surviving spouse. .17 Cafeteria Plans. For taxable years beginning in 2019, the dollar limitation under § 125(i) on voluntary employee salary reductions for contributions to health flexible spending arrangements is $2,700. .18 Qualified Transportation Fringe Benefit. For taxable years beginning in 2019, the monthly limitation under § 132(f)(2)(A) regarding the aggregate fringe benefit exclusion amount for transportation in a commuter highway vehicle and any transit pass is $265. The monthly limitation under § 132(f)(2)(B) regarding the fringe benefit exclusion amount for qualified parking is $265. .19 Income from United States Savings Bonds for Taxpayers Who Pay Qualified Higher Education Expenses. For taxable years beginning in 2019, the exclusion under § 135, regarding income from United States savings bonds for taxpayers who pay qualified higher education expenses, begins to phase out for modified adjusted gross income above $121,600 for joint returns and $81,100 for all other returns. The exclusion is completely phased out for modified adjusted gross income of $151,600 or more for joint returns and $96,100 or more for all other returns. .20 Adoption Assistance Programs. For taxable years beginning in 2019, under § 137(a)(2), the amount that can be excluded from an employee’s gross income for the adoption of a child with special needs is $14,080. For taxable years beginning in 2019, under § 137(b)(1) the maximum amount that can be excluded from an employee’s gross income for the amounts paid or expenses incurred by an employer for qualified adoption expenses furnished pursuant to an adoption assistance program for other adoptions by