I was in this EXACT situation last year. I chose the lower itemized deduction because in the end I paid fewer taxes. I was told if you have an AMT it can often be advantageous to choose to itemize.
This year, however, due to a change in circumstance, it is more advantageous for me to choose the Standard Deduction. I would still like to be able to take the 9b deduction. I have spent hours researching this since a CPA who does taxes for a living told me I can, but I can't seem to find anything to definitively back him up.
If anyone can tell me it is ok to take 9b if selecting the Standard Deduction, I would be forever greatful.
