I originally completed my 2023 taxes and used the standard deduction of $27,700 but noticed by VA state standard deduction was only $16,000 which caused me owing versus getting a refund like I did in 2022. I went back and filed an amended 2023 return to change from the standard deduction to itemized deduction ($26,948). However, I received a letter from the IRS stating my itemized deductions should be larger than the standard deduction. I called the IRS to see why I couldn't elect itemized deductions which saved me $619 in my state return and only having to pay an extra $158 back on my Federal return. The IRS rep stated I didn't have a choice and could only elect the standard deduction as it was higher and provided me how to look on the IRS website that dictates this policy. Is this true? If so, turbotax software shouldn't allow you to pick between the standard or itemized deduction if the itemized deduction is lower.
