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New Member
posted Feb 10, 2021 9:01:19 AM

I filed federal with standard deduction, and I can't find how to itemize for the state return.

The last couple years, since the changes to federal tax laws, I take the standard deduction for federal taxes, but I itemize for state.  I usually fill out the state form on my own because it's easy.  I thought I would let Turbo Tax do it this year, but I can't find out how to tell it I want to itemize for my state return.

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3 Replies
Level 15
Feb 10, 2021 9:32:51 AM

You should input any deductions you have into your federal return, and any of these that are also valid for your state return will populate on your state return.  (You'll still have the option to take the standard deduction on your federal return after you've input these deductions, if that's what you want.)

Then, go through your state tax program from the beginning. Look for a screen that asks which deduction you want to take. The exact placement of this screen varies by state, but most likely you'll find it at the beginning of the interview or right before the deductions section.

Some states don't have itemized deductions, while others require you to choose the same deduction you took on your federal return. When you get to your state return, the TurboTax program let you know what’s available according to your state's tax laws.

New Member
Feb 12, 2021 1:36:37 PM

That didn't work.  The only way I could get itemized in my state return were to select itemized in my federal.  There was no choice in state, just federal. 

Intuit Alumni
Feb 12, 2021 2:05:10 PM

@I_am_not_Nick Please see the TurboTax FAQ below for help with itemizing for you State return. It does vary depending on your state:

Can I still itemize my deductions?