How can I remove the itemized deductions from my 2018 Hawaii tax return? I entered my itemized deductions on my fed return, but will be taking the stand. ded.

[elwalker22]

I entered my itemized deductions on my federal return, but I will be taking the standard deduction. The Hawaii return automatically brings over some of the itemized deductions, even though I'm not itemizing this year. How can I turn this off? Do I have to delete all of the itemized deductions I entered? There were a lot of them.

[DanielV01]

Some states allow you to itemize on the state return even though you itemize of the Federal return for greater tax savings.  Is there a reason you want to use the standard HI deduction?

[elwalker22]

It doesn't say that on the Hawaii return. It's pulling the info from my federal return. Do I need to contact the Hawaii office and ask them?

[DanielV01 · Accepted solution]

Itemized deductions are allowed in Hawaii even if you do not itemize on your Federal return.  If you are single, you will get more benefit out of itemizing on your HI return if you have at least $2200 of itemized deductions (which do pull from your Federal return).  Hawaii also has not suspended the deduction for unreimbursed employee expenses.  You may claim all of these even though you do not use itemized deductions on your Federal return.

While you may choose not to itemize, you are almost certainly going to get a greater tax benefit on your HI return if you do itemize.