Itemization for Iowa state return

[grussojdf]

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?

[KathrynG3 · Accepted solution]

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.

[grussojdf]

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