If we know that the Standard Deduction will be higher than our itemized deductions, is there any need to enter Contributions, Car Licenses info, etc?

[DanielV01 · Accepted solution]

It depends.  Some states allow itemizing, and you may see a result on your state return when you itemize, whereas on the federal return you may not see a difference.  But you are never required to put in your itemized information (with the exception of married filing separately); it is an opportunity to reduce your taxable income further.  However, if you know in advance that you will not have enough to itemize, then you can omit entering the information.

[rwoconnor]

Is there any way to simply state: I want the standard deduction?  A box to click on, for example?