...and TTX has you enter them all because:
1) The software doesn't know whether you have a sufficient $$ number of itemized deductions to be used until you enter them all. TTX cannot know ahead of time how many $$ of itemized deductions you will enter.
2) Also, a number of states have a lower itemized deductions trigger, and some allow you to itemize deductions for the state, even if not able to use them for the Federal tax return.....BUT, 95% of all possible state itemized deductions need to be entered in the Federal section first....the state section interview will only deal with other additional special deductions that are not expected to be entered in the Federal section of the interview.
____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*
