If going with standard deduction, do you go back and delete itemized deductions to remove potential burden of proof in case you lose your receipts?

[moleratcaptain]

Even if you have adequate proof, do you remove itemized deductions like charitable contributions, job search costs, casualty, health, etc. after seeing that the standard joint deduction is more in case you're audited or would you not bother with removing all deductions since they wouldn't go there?

[ThomasM · Accepted solution]

If you're taking the standard deduction, there's no need to go back and delete your itemized deductions, because the Schedule A will not be filed as part of the tax return.  So those entries go nowhere.

[Christopher96REDD]

I realized I didn't pay for my mother's car registration so now it won't let me file my taxes without that section filled out or I'll have to pay $80 in order to file my taxes because it's saying that I itemized my taxes with the car registration. I can't delete it, so how do I removed the itemized deductions completely so I can file standard? @ThomasM

[Irene2805]

Even if you are taking the standard deduction on your federal return, it's a good idea to leave your itemized deductions in your return because they may be deductible on your state return.

To delete the entry for car registration fees, please follow these steps:

1. On the Deductions & Credits screen, under Cars and Other Things You Own, click the Revisit box next to Car Registration Fees.
2. On the screen, Enter your car registration fees, click the delete (trash can) icon next to the entry.
3. Click Continue.

You can also delete the entire Schedule A to remove your all your entries for itemized deductions.  If yoiu do this, they will not flow to your state return.  Please follow these instructions:

TurboTax Online

1. While in your return, click on Tax Tools > Tools (in the black bar at the side of your screen).  
2. In the Tools Center, under Other helpful links click on Delete a form.
3. Click Delete next to the form you want to delete and follow the onscreen instructions. 
4. Once you have finished deleting the desired form(s) click the Continue with My Return box (in the lower right of your screen).

TurboTax CD/Download

1. Go into Forms Mode by clicking on the Forms icon in the top right of the blue bar. 
2. In the Forms in My Return list on the left, click on the form you wish to open and delete.
3. Click on the Delete Form box at the bottom of the screen.
4. To return to the interview, click on the Step-By-Step icon in the top right of the blue bar.  

@Christopher96REDD