topic Figuring out itemized deductions by quarters in State tax filing

Figuring out itemized deductions by quarters

bobngu — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:38:23 GMT

While trying to figure out estimated taxes for CA, TT asked for quarterly itemized deductions breakdown. So, the first thing I noticed is that CA has a different way of calculating allowed itemized deductions than federal, so the final amount allowed to be deducted is different than on Federal Schedule A. The issue is that I don't know how to break down the itemized deductions in quarters since I am claiming only part of medical/dental expenses due to the 7.5% minimum rule. How should I break it down by quarters then?

Re: Figuring out itemized deductions by quarters

fanfare — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 01:08:56 GMT

medical expense deduction up to that point in time is zero until you exceed 7.5% of AGI up to that point in time.

That's how I read it.

There has been discussion on the forum and different approaches suggested.

The topic was SALT , not medical expense, but the quandary is the same.

@bobngu

maybe there's a simple answer to a seemingly complex problem.

@VolvoGirl You say you've used Schedule AI. any comment?

Re: Figuring out itemized deductions by quarters

bobngu — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:27:51 GMT

@fanfare Do you have a link to some of those discussions? Yeah, that's my read on the 7.5% also but in the end I chose to leave the allowed medical deductions to the last quarter to make things simple.

Re: Figuring out itemized deductions by quarters

DaveF1006 — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:53:29 GMT

There aren't any verifiable sources or links explaining how to allocate these medical expenses by quarters.

My suggestion would have been to take all of your medical expenses that were allowed for the year and divide these by 4 so that they could be spread evenly throughout the year for both your federal and Ca state returns. You solution does seem reasonable however.

@bobngu

Re: Figuring out itemized deductions by quarters

bobngu — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:55:27 GMT

@DaveF1006 thanks for the clarification. I think either approach works, appreciate your help.

Re: Figuring out itemized deductions by quarters

fanfare — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 16:26:08 GMT

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-credits-deductions/discussion/form-2210-annualized-income-how-to-annualize-itemized-deductions/01/2883555#M278181

@bobngu