IRS Automatically Changed my Deduction Method

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
May 18, 2022
2 replies
12 views

I live in a state where my deduction method (itemize or standard) must match my federal filings. I chose to itemize both even though on my federal filing it was slightly less than the standard deduction because it greatly benefits my state filing. After submitting and paying taxes owed to the IRS, they decided that to change my filing to standard and issued me a refund. What is the best and way to correct this, and how can I insure that the IRS doesn't do this again?

Not A Product Question

macuser_22

Alumni - Champ

If the IRS changed it then you cannot. However, that should not affect anything since *you* filed both Fed and state itemized as the state required.

If the state questions it then you can provide a copy of your Federal1040 form to prove that you filed itemized.

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**

Mike9241

Level 15

are you married and filed separately? by federal tax law you must both use the same method for deductions. so if she filed first and used the standard deduction, that's why the IRS changed your return.

Mike9241

maruzinAuthor

Level 2

Yes Married but filed jointly on both.

macuser_22

Alumni - Champ

Also, did you actually check your 1040 line 12a to see the method before you filed? TurboTax will always choose the method that gives the largest deduction unless you specifically tell it otherwise. It might not have been the IRS that changed it (which would be very unusual).

You can check the actual amount of itemized deductions by using the Search Topics for "itemized deductions, choosing" (under "My Account, Tools" in the online versions). Click on "Change my deduction". That will display the actual amount of itemized deductions vs. the standard deduction and change the deduction type. Otherwise it will choose the best deduction method.

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**