Not so fast.  A couple who itemizes with an amount close to the new $24000 standard deduction would better off with the present tax system because the personal exemptions would be an added write off.  The exemptions plus the itemized deduction would easily top the new $24000 deduction with no exemptions.  Couples with older dependents not entitled to child tax credits and with student loans would lose without the personal exemptions.  Simple math.