You can choose to use Schedule A, and once it is available, view it. Then go back and change the option back to the standard deduction.
We automatically select the deduction that gives you the best outcome on your federal taxes. Most 2021 federal tax filers will be better off with the standard deduction versus the itemized deduction.
In TurboTax, you can always switch to a different deduction. However, if you and your spouse are filing separate federal returns, both of you must take the same deduction per IRS rules.
Tip: It's best to hold off on switching until after you've finished going through the Deductions & Credits section. That way you can get an accurate picture of how both deductions affect your bottom line. Also, keep in mind that switching to the other federal deduction may impact your state tax return.
TurboTax Online instructions
- With your tax return open, select Federal from the navigation menu on the left (if you're doing this on a mobile device, you'll probably need to scroll down).
- Now select Deductions & Credits near the top of your screen.
- Proceed through the screens, answering questions as necessary. Eventually you'll come to the screen Based on what you just told us, the Standard Deduction is best for you or Based on what you just told us, itemizing deductions is best for you.
- On that screen, select Change my deduction. You'll get a pop-up showing how much each deduction is worth.
- From here, you can either change your deduction by selecting it and continuing forward or cancel out.
- Please note that if you're switching to the itemized deduction from Free Edition, you'll need to upgrade to Deluxe, as Free Edition doesn't handle Schedule A.
