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Returning Member
posted Mar 31, 2025 4:23:58 PM

Does switch from Standard Deduction to Itemized Deduction effect Net Investment Income Tax

In turbotax, My Net Investment Income Tax is changing if I switch between Standard Deduction and Itemized deduction . For itemized deduction it is getting reduced by 400$. So overall tax bill is reduced by 400$

 

Switching from the standard deduction to itemized deductions should not directly affect the calculation of the NIIT, as the tax is based on MAGI and net investment income, not the taxable income after deductions.

 

 is this a software bug on turbo tax?

 

0 5 1499
5 Replies
Returning Member
Mar 31, 2025 4:50:47 PM

Looks like exactly $10K are getting reduced from Total investment income which is resulting in 380$ reduction

Expert Alumni
Mar 31, 2025 5:34:41 PM

Do you have investment interest expense on line 9 on your Schedule A?

 

 

Returning Member
Apr 16, 2025 9:40:49 PM

I notice the same . Even though my standard deduction is higher than itemized deduction by ~1000 dollars, when I switch to itemized deductions I somehow save money as it reduces net investment tax. I have no idea how this works 

Expert Alumni
Apr 17, 2025 10:09:35 AM

The standard deduction uses a big lump sum to adjust your taxes due.  No specifics.

 

Itemized deductions are specific and targeted.  And if you have an investment interest expense on your itemized deduction list then that is used in the calculation of the NIIT.  So when you switch to the itemized deductions the NIIT calculation is different and that may reduce your tax bill.

 

@awhile 

Returning Member
Apr 17, 2025 10:14:49 AM

Yes that’s what it looks like but not sure why turbo tax won’t recommend that based on individual case and still keep recommending to take standard deduction. It should be recommending which gives the best return t the taxpayer