Skip to main content
Level 2
September 6, 2025
Solved

need to amend and switch to itemized deductions

I just discovered that turbotax selected standard deduction of  27,700 for 2023 instead of $41,894 so I want to amend the 2023 return.  The higher # is clearly listed on line 17 in the forms section of Schedule A.  I can't even check the box to manually force it to use itemized instead of the standard deduction.  All help is appreciated!

    xmasbaby0Answer
    Level 15
    September 6, 2025

    Expert Reviewed

    Are you making the common mistake of just adding up all the amounts for your itemized deductions without considering the caps and thresholds that must be met?

    STANDARD DEDUCTION

    Many taxpayers are surprised because their itemized deductions are not having the same effect as they did on past tax returns.  The new higher standard deduction and the elimination of certain deductions, as well as the cap on state and local taxes have had a major impact since the new tax laws went into effect beginning with 2018 returns.

     

    Your itemized deductions have to be more than your standard deduction before you will see a change in your tax owed or tax refund.  The deductions you enter do not necessarily count “dollar for dollar;” many of them are subject to meeting  tough thresholds—medical expenses, for example, must meet a threshold that is pretty hard to reach. (Only the amount that is MORE than 7.5% of your AGI counts)   The software program uses all the IRS rules that apply to the expenses you enter, and it tells you if you have enough to use your itemized deductions or if using the standard deduction is more advantageous for you.  Under the tax laws that have been in effect since 2018, some deductions have been capped—there is a $10,000 limit to the itemized deductions for state, local, property and sales taxes.

     

    The standard deduction makes some of your income “tax free.”  It is not a refund.  You will see your standard or itemized deduction amount on line 12 of your 2023 Form 1040.

     

    2023 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

    Single $13,850(+$1850)

    Married Filing Separately.       $13,850 (+1500)     

    Married Filing Jointly.              $27,700 (+$1500)

    Head of Household.                $20,800 (+1850)

     

    Additional amounts for age 65 or older or legally blind

     

     

    CHANGE FROM STANDARD OR FORCE ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-credits-deductions/change-standard-deduction-itemized-vice-versa/L7evWtHhv_US_en_US?uid=m6cpww6g

     

    **Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

    5 replies

    xmasbaby0Level 15Answer
    Level 15
    September 6, 2025

    Expert Reviewed

    Are you making the common mistake of just adding up all the amounts for your itemized deductions without considering the caps and thresholds that must be met?

    STANDARD DEDUCTION

    Many taxpayers are surprised because their itemized deductions are not having the same effect as they did on past tax returns.  The new higher standard deduction and the elimination of certain deductions, as well as the cap on state and local taxes have had a major impact since the new tax laws went into effect beginning with 2018 returns.

     

    Your itemized deductions have to be more than your standard deduction before you will see a change in your tax owed or tax refund.  The deductions you enter do not necessarily count “dollar for dollar;” many of them are subject to meeting  tough thresholds—medical expenses, for example, must meet a threshold that is pretty hard to reach. (Only the amount that is MORE than 7.5% of your AGI counts)   The software program uses all the IRS rules that apply to the expenses you enter, and it tells you if you have enough to use your itemized deductions or if using the standard deduction is more advantageous for you.  Under the tax laws that have been in effect since 2018, some deductions have been capped—there is a $10,000 limit to the itemized deductions for state, local, property and sales taxes.

     

    The standard deduction makes some of your income “tax free.”  It is not a refund.  You will see your standard or itemized deduction amount on line 12 of your 2023 Form 1040.

     

    2023 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

    Single $13,850(+$1850)

    Married Filing Separately.       $13,850 (+1500)     

    Married Filing Jointly.              $27,700 (+$1500)

    Head of Household.                $20,800 (+1850)

     

    Additional amounts for age 65 or older or legally blind

     

     

    CHANGE FROM STANDARD OR FORCE ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-credits-deductions/change-standard-deduction-itemized-vice-versa/L7evWtHhv_US_en_US?uid=m6cpww6g

     

    **Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
    Level 2
    September 6, 2025

    I am comparing my year over year returns and essentially nothing has changed as a straight w-2 employee.  the forms sections look nearly identical.  seems like a bug is forcing the 27,700.  in 2022, it is pulling the itemized deduction correctly and it is doing the same proper thing in 2024.  I only noticed this now for 2023 as entering myu 2024 returns and noticed a huge difference in the year over year deductions.  looking back, the same change was obvious from 2022 to 2023 but I just missed it