Married Filing Separately. Itemized deductions vs. standard deductions?

[GoodDay1]

Hi, My spouse and I file our tax returns separately (Married Filing Separately) this year and claimed itemized deductions.  Is it okay for us to file tax returns separately next year and claim standard deductions?  Is it better for us to claim itemized deductions or standard deductions when we file our tax returns separately?  Thanks.

[georgesT · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can switch to Standard deduction next year when filing MFS.

The choice between Standard deduction Vs Itemized deduction depends on the amount of itemized expenses each of you have. If the itemized expenses are more than standard deduction ,then it's better to itemize. 

Note that when filing MFS, if one person itemize, the other spouse also have to itemize, and may be penalized if not enough expenses to itemize.

[GoodDay1]

Thank you.