Are the notes I create for line items in TT to explain my deductions included in my efiled return?

[HGS2]

I itemized deductions and attached notes to some of my entries.  Years ago the notes would be sent along with the paper return to clarify the deduction.   With Efile do my notes still get conveyed to the IRS?

[DawnC]

No, the supporting details are included in your tax records only.   Only the applicable form is transmitted to the IRS with your e-filed tax return.  

[HGS2]

 We had a large medical deduction (over 60k) that meets conditions spelled out in an IRS publication but there was no way in Turbotax to describe it as such.   So is there any way to provide supporting information for an entry in an efiled tax return?    Do I have to wait for an audit to be given an opportunity to clarify the deduction?

Is it the case that the IRS can't deal with ad hoc notes and wouldn't read them even if sent with a paper return

[JulieS · Accepted solution]

No, you can't attach notes to an e-filed tax return unless it is part of the tax form itself.

Whether or not your note would be read by the temporary employee who types your mailed-in tax return, is anyone's guess, but I doubt it. I don't think mailing in your return with notes will help you avoid an audit.

The astronomical increase in medical costs means that your $60,000 deduction, while large isn't that unusual. In fact, of those who itemize, the average medical deduction is $17,000 per person.