Can I take the standard deduction for federal and itemize Virginia for 2018?

[dmnoonan]

If I itemize, my VA state refund is higher, but my federal refund changes to me owing money.

Should I be using a standard deduction for Federal, but itemizing for Virginia?

[Molly_K · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately, you can't.  If you claimed the standard deduction on your federal deduction, you must claim the standard deduction on your Virginia state return. 

Please see “ITEMIZED OR STANDARD DEDUCTIONS” on page 10 of 2018 760 instructions. The same applies if you are a nonresident or part year resident. https://tax.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/vatax-pdf/2018-form-760-instructions.pdf