topic Re: Itemization for Iowa state return in State tax filing

Itemization for Iowa state return

grussojdf — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 03:57:26 GMT

My husband and I file as married filing separately. We both took the standard deduction on our Federal returns. I want to itemize on my Iowa return but TurboTax only allows me to take the standard deduction. It asks me if my husband is taking the standard state deduction. When i answer Yes, TurboTax forces me to take the standard deduction. When i answer no, my itemized deductions get applied. Does IA require both spouses to choose the same filing status like the Federal level or is there a problem with the program?

Re: Itemization for Iowa state return

KathrynG3 — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:26:47 GMT

Yes, Iowa requires both spouses to choose the same deductions option when filing separately. Either both itemize or both claim the standard deduction.

See top of page 8 of the 2019 Iowa Individual Income Tax Expanded Instructions: If one spouse itemizes deductions, then both spouses must itemize deductions, even if separate Iowa returns are filed.

Begin on page 44 for deduction instructions.

Re: Itemization for Iowa state return

grussojdf — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:41:12 GMT

Thank you! Wow I read that section 15 times and somehow missed that one sentence on the bottom every time.