Deductions & credits

2022: $2,096 of $2,466 Social Security benefits were taxable (line 6b)
2023: $5,319 of $6,258 Social Security benefits were taxable (line 6b)

I don't believe Itemizing Deductions for 2024 is to our benefit (no mortgage, no medical >2%).

Sorry, I'm not exactly sure what or how you're saying the alternative works? Can you be more specific? Thanks!