In Turbotax 2024, I could use standard deduction for Federal and itemized deductions for California. Turbotax 2025 is not allowing me to do the same. How can I do this?

To use the standard deduction for Federal and itemized deductions for California in TurboTax 2025, follow these steps:

1. Take the standard deduction on your federal return and when you get to the state return, you will be given the option to itemize if your state allows it.   
2. But the itemized deductions still need to be entered on the federal return before preparing your state return.  
3. Make you have entered the itemized deductions to help ensure TurboTax prompts you for itemized.
4. Complete Federal Section: Finish the Federal section of your return and select the standard deduction if it benefits you.
5. Proceed to California Section: Move to the California state return section. Answer most of the California-specific questions.
6. California Federal Itemized Deductions Screen: After the screen titled "Let's see how California taxes your income," you'll reach the "California Federal Itemized Deductions" screen. This screen will allow you to select itemized deductions for California.

Original Post

Dear @SabrinaD2,

I had already entered my itemized deductions before posting my message. After seeing your response, I went back and forth between federal and state multiple times, but could not see the options you mentioned in step 6. I just got frustrated and filed my federal and state taxes. I know I lost several hundred dollars :-(.

prakash_bala

Are you filing as a resident or nonresident of California?