While I do not see a definitive answer on that the topic for no. 501 does state:
"You should itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions if the total amount of your allowable itemized deductions is greater than your standard deduction or if you must itemize deductions because you can't use the standard deduction. You may also want to itemize deductions if your standard deduction is limited because another taxpayer claims you as a dependent. Itemized deductions, subject to certain dollar limitations, include amounts you paid, during the taxable year, for state and local income or sales taxes, real property taxes, personal property taxes, mortgage interest, disaster losses, gifts to charities, and part of the amount you paid for medical and dental expenses." Topic NO. 501
IRS.govhttps://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc501
If the information does not seem correct to you, I would call the IRS again and ask in what PUB or Notice is this information listed.
