In almost all cases, if Schedule A is not in your completed tax return, it is because the Standard Deduction is giving you a lower taxable income than would be obtained using the Itemized Deductions.
As
a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Standard
Deduction amounts have been significantly increased. It is likely that
fewer than 10% of all taxpayers will find itemizing deductions to be
advantageous.
For 2018, the
increased Standard Deduction amounts for all filers are:
- Single or Married filing
separately—$12,000.
- Married filing jointly or
Qualifying widow(er)—$24,000.
- Head of household—$18,000.