Standard versus itemized deduction

Forum|Forum|3 months ago
March 14, 2026
1 reply
11 views

Using TT Home & Business. My itemized deductions are almost $10,000 more than the standard deduction, but the program wants me to use the standard deduction. It shows the same amount of taxes owed in both situations. Not sure how that happens, if the itemized total is almost $10,000 higher.

TurboTax Home & Biz Windows

Best answer by AnnetteB6

That could happen if your taxable income has already been reduced as low as possible (probably to zero) using the standard deduction. If this is the case, then claiming the higher itemized deductions would only cause you to file a more complicated tax return.

If the higher itemized deduction and your standard deduction are showing the same balance due on your return, then you are paying a tax other than income tax on your return, such as self-employment tax. The self-employment tax is calculated based on business income and is not reduced by either the standard deduction or itemized deductions.

Take a look at your Form 1040 to understand this situation. You will likely see that line 15 is zero for your taxable income. Line 23 is self-employment tax or other taxes reported on Schedule 2.

AnnetteB6Answer

Level 15

Take a look at your Form 1040 to understand this situation. You will likely see that line 15 is zero for your taxable income. Line 23 is self-employment tax or other taxes reported on Schedule 2.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"