Generally, TurboTax will automatically use the deduction (whether standard or itemized) that is most beneficial in your tax situation. The only time you could be forced to itemized your deductions is if you are filing a married filing separate return and your spouse is itemizing. If you file separately, you must use the same deduction method used as your spouse.
If this not does apply to you, you can force the standard deduction to be used.
To change your election and force a standard deduction, please follow the steps below:
- Open your return.
- Click on Tax Tools on the left hand side.
- Click on Tools.
- Click Topic Search.
- Search "itemized deductions, choosing"
- Click on Change my deduction.
- Choose Standard Deductions under Which deduction do you want to take this year?
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