How do I select standard deduction at the start of using turbotax. I do not want to complete all of the deductions because I know that I need standard deduction?

[IreneS · Accepted solution]

TurboTax will select the method that gives you the best result.  If you just wish to take the standard deduction don't enter anything on the Deductions screen (like mortgage interest, property taxes, medical expenses, etc.).

[BMcCalpin]

Note that a number of states have different standard deductions than the federal tax return. This means that if you don't enter your deductions for the federal return, then these amounts won't be carried over to your state return, and you may lose out when the lower state standard deduction is used.

Of course, if you live in a state with no income tax, you won't care, or if you live in a state where the state standard deduction is the same as the federal standard deduction, you won't (usually) care.

If you still have a question, please tell us what state(s) you are filing in.

[ckoondog]

I have the same question. It's not really about what State because every year, I spend half a day entering all the stuff only to be told the Standard Deduction is best. Nothing has changed, especially after getting Mortgage down = less interest. Or even those who don't have a home, should be able to bypass all the questions in the beginning. It seems the program keeps all my information from one year to another, why not that?

The program should just ask if there's any changes from last year and let you go right for Standard Deduction. It just wastes a half a day. That's all.

Thanks,

Carol

[JamesG1]

You are not required to answer the questions under Federal / Deductions & Credits.

Then TurboTax will choose the Standard Deduction for your Federal tax return.

If you choose, you may simply verify the information in My Info and complete income information under Federal / Income & Expenses.

See also this TurboTax Help.

[VirtualVigil]

The point is that Turbo Tax should allow selection standard deduction and therefore tell you what is needed for that.  Users should not have to research or guess about what is useful only if you itemize. 

[xmasbaby0]

@VirtualVigil The software automatically uses your standard deduction unless you enter enough itemized deductions to exceed your standard deduction, or unless you "force" itemized deductions by selecting it deliberately ---- for example if you file married filing separately you must both file the same way, so if your spouse itemizes you must itemize too even if it is disadvantageous to you.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900142-how-can-i-tell-which-deduction-standard-or-itemized-i-m-us...

If you want to skip entering your itemized deductions you can do that.  Many people will not have enough itemized deductions this year to itemize, and will just be getting their new higher standard deduction.  The thing is, though, that some of those deductions could make a difference on a state return even if they do not affect your federal return.  Information flows from your federal return to your state return, so it might not be a bad idea to go ahead and enter them anyhow.  It cannot hurt you.

The following states allow you to itemize deductions on just the state return: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Wisconsin, 

HOW TO FORCE ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900142-how-do-i-change-from-the-standard-deduction-to-itemized-or...

[technomed]

Very important… Do not forget to include this one critical deduction. If you paid quarterly Estimated Tax payments (1040-ES), enter these! It can make a big difference!

[VirtualVigil]

You are explaining how it works now.  We are asking for a new feature that allows the user to select standard deduction (since as you say, most will end up there anyway), so that the fancy workflow software will not ask for stuff that won't be needed.  Simple.