If turbo tax uses standard deduction on federal returns can it use itemized deductions on state return or do I have to use the standard deduction on the state return?

[dsstaton]

It appears that TT just automatically used the standard deduction on my Ky tax return, how do I get it to itemize on the state return

[DanielV01 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you may itemize in Kentucky even though you do not itemize on your Federal Return.  The Federal itemizing threshold for a single filer is $6350 (12,700 Married Filing Joint), whereas it is $2480 ($4960 if Married Filing Separate on combined return) in Kentucky.  For this reason, you will want to enter all of your itemized deduction on the Federal Income section of TurboTax.  The calculations will be made on how much deduction will qualify on the state tax return (which will not include state tax withheld, but does include most other itemized amounts).  If the amount is higher than the KY standard deduction threshold, TurboTax will apply itemized deductions to the Kentucky return even though you claim standard on the Federal Return.

[JeannieLynn]

Mine is doing the same thing. Itemized deductions put in federal section, not enough to overcome standard deduction but way higher than Kentucky standard deduction. Will not allow itemize deduction for state. An hour on phone and no resolution. Very irritating. May file Kentucky by paper. 

[MonikaK1]

Yes, if you claimed the Standard Deduction on your federal return, you can still itemize your deductions on the Kentucky return. You will need to have entered all of the itemized deductions in the Federal section. 

TurboTax normally transfers the deductions you enter in the Federal return to the state return automatically. You might try the following troubleshooting steps if you haven't already:

• delete the state return and start it again
• make sure your program is up to date
• if using Online, try a different browser 
• if using Online, try clearing your cache and cookies

If you're having trouble updating your TurboTax 2023 for Windows Individual software using the "Check for Updates" method, here are instructions for how you can get the latest federal program update:

1. Close TurboTax and all other programs except this browser window.
2. Select this link to download the 264 MB update.
3. Save the update file to your Windows desktop.
4. Double-click the update file w_perrelsuperpatch... on your desktop to install the manual update.

If you have taken these steps, you can send us a “diagnostic” file that has your “numbers” but not your personal information.  If you would like to do this, here are the instructions for TurboTax Online users: 

Go to the black panel on the left side of your program and select Tax Tools. 

1. Then select Tools below Tax Tools. 
2. A window will pop up which says Tools Center.  
3. On this screen, select Share my file with Agent. 
4. You will see a message explaining what the diagnostic copy is.  Click okay through this screen and then you will get a Token number. 
5. Reply to this thread with your Token number. This will allow us to open a copy of your return without seeing any personal information.  

 Here are the instructions for TurboTax Desktop users:

1. From the black bar at the top of your screen, select Online
2. Click Send Tax File to Agent
3. Click Send on the message that pops up
4. TurboTax will create a "sanitized" copy of your return information with no personal info
5. Post the 7-digit token number here in this thread

We will then be able to see what you are seeing and we can determine what is going on in your return and provide you with a resolution.