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Level 3
posted Mar 10, 2025 8:58:58 PM

How do I go back and try itemizing my business expenses?

turbotax corralled me into taking a standard deduction but I'd like to compare. I can't see any way to itemize any more.

0 4 1468
4 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 10, 2025 9:02:46 PM

You can switch between the standard deduction and itemized deductions by following the detained instructions in the TurboTax article  How do I change from the standard deduction to itemized (or vice-versa)?

Level 3
Mar 10, 2025 9:09:48 PM

Thank you, but my problem is more specific. I'd like to manually enter my various office supplies, training, books, etc. expenses. I was offered the option initially, but can't seem to find it or access it now, even after switching the method.

Level 3
Mar 10, 2025 9:21:28 PM

turbotax seems confused, because AI help can be coaxed into providing a "Add/edit business expenses" button, but it leads to the income summary. Clicking "Done with income" leads eventually to Your Tax Breaks, but there are no ways to enter the graphic designer expenses that were initially presented.

Expert Alumni
Mar 11, 2025 4:54:23 AM

You are talking about two different subjects.  One is itemized or standard deduction for your tax return, and the other is business expenses.  These two topics are not related, and there is no such thing as a standard deduction for business expenses.  

 

You may need to go back through the instructions shared by SharonD007 and let TurboTax choose the best option for you with regard to the Standard Deduction or Itemized Deductions.  Changing to Itemized Deductions will not help you enter your business expenses.

 

To enter your business expenses, you need to go back to the Schedule C section of your return where you entered the details about your self-employed business.  This can be found by following these steps:

 

  • Go to Wages and Income > Self-employment Income and Expenses.  
  • Click Add/Edit.  
  • Then you should see the title of the business you have entered.  
  • Click the pencil icon next to the name.  
  • Then click the box Add expenses for this work to see the categories of expenses you can add.

 

@macrocephalia