rjs
Level 15
Level 15

Deductions & credits

Note that you use the standard deduction only as an alternative to itemized deductions. Any credits are claimed in addition to the standard deduction, so you should enter anything that's called a credit, even if you use the standard deduction. There are also "above-the-line deductions" that are not itemized deductions and are claimed in addition to the standard deduction. These include the student loan interest deduction and the deduction for IRA contributions. TurboTax does not clearly identify above-the-line deductions. If in doubt, enter it.

The most common itemized deductions, which you don't claim if you use the standard deduction, are medical expenses, state and local income tax, sales tax, or property tax, and charitable contributions. If you know you are going to use the standard deduction, you don't have to enter any of these.