Deductions & credits

1. No

2. Yes

3. I don't remember doing this, but maybe.

Regardless of how I answered for these three places, the way I read the 1040 instructions is that if 12a is for itemized (not a standard deduction) then 12b MUST be zero. I used the itemized method, but 12b is $600. Maybe I don't understand the 1040 instructions? I am happy to take the additional deduction if it is correct.