topic TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction in Deductions & credits

TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction

Filerx — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:14:39 GMT

The program is not giving me the option to switch to itemizing my deductions, even though I've followed the directions from previous posts. We have relatively high incomes and deductions, and have itemized deductions every year for decades using TurboTax. Can't understand why it's using standardized deduction this year.

Re: TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction

AnnetteB6 — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 19:51:20 GMT

Take a closer look at the inputs you have made with regard to itemized deductions such as mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable contributions, and medical expenses. If you expect that they should be high enough to put you over the threshold for claiming itemized deductions, then perhaps there was an input error somewhere.

Also, you mentioned that you have followed directions from previous posts with regard to changing your deduction. Just to be sure, take a look at the following TurboTax article for instructions:

How do I change from the standard deduction to itemized (or vice-versa)?

Re: TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction

Filerx — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 19:56:30 GMT

Thanks for your quick response. I'm fairly certain our deductions are high enough to meet the threshold and there don't appear to be any input errors. I've followed the instructions you sent by TTax doesn't give me an option to "Change my Deduction."

Re: TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction

LenaH — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 20:10:37 GMT

The Change my Deduction button will be on the Based on what you just told us, the Standard Deduction is best for you or Based on what you just told us, itemizing deductions is best for you screen. I have attached a picture below for additional guidance. The button is highlighted.

@Filerx

Re: TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction

bg81 — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:12:11 GMT

I'm having the same problem. TT tells me that itemized is better, acts like it's selecting that deduction... but when I get to the final review, it says I'm taking the standard deduction. And my refund amount reflects the same. How can I fix this before I file?

Re: TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction

VolvoGirl — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:16:32 GMT

Could it be this error? Not able to change deductions

Why am I not getting the itemized deduction when TurboTax tells me it's my best option?

Re: TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction

bg81 — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:18:01 GMT

Thanks. I think so.

Re: TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction

ag3203 — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 14:28:09 GMT

I get an error when trying to view that page but your description sounds exactly like what I'm seeing. How do I fix it? What does that page say?

Re: TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction

LindaS5247 — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 14:46:37 GMT

You can select the alternative deduction by doing the following in TurboTax. I'm not sure what you have tried, but this method allows you to switch your deductions from standard to itemized and vice versa.

Go to "Deductions and Credits" and select "I'll choose what I work on"

Answer the prompts and you will come to the screen that says "You've chosen the itemized deductions" (or "You've chosen the Standard Deduction" in your case). This is where you will make the change.

It will look like this:

Select "Change My Deduction" and then select which deduction you wish to take.

Please feel free to come back to TurboTax Community with additional information or questions or click here for help in contacting Turbo Tax Support.

Re: TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction

ymanin123 — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:28:50 GMT

Once your itemized deductions will overcome your standard deductions amount , software will offer you to choose between those. Keep in mind that itemized deductions are taxable , when standard deductions are not

Re: TurboTax won't let me change from standard to itemized deduction

KrisD15 — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 01:07:36 GMT

Itemized Deductions are not taxable, but what you might be referring to is this-

If you Itemize Deductions, you most likely will claim State Taxes paid as part of your deductions (Schedule A line 5)

If you end up getting a state refund for part of the taxes you deducted on Schedule A, the following year you may need to report the state refund, or part of it, as income.

If the state tax deduction is limited because of the SALT limit (Schedule A line 6) make note of the amount of the limit.

If you do get a state refund, and the refund is as much or less that the amount that was disallowed, the refund needn't be reported.