My work related deductions are higher than standard deductions, why does turbotax choose standard deduction?

[r-chapa1260]

LVN with high mileage deduction and work related expenses. $21k verses $12.5k standard deduction. It only shows $1300* on itemized?

[tagteam · Accepted solution]

After tax reform (the TCJA), you can no longer claim any miscellaneous itemized deductions that are subject to the 2%-of-AGI limitation, including unreimbursed employee expenses.

See https://www.irs.gov/publications/p529#en_US_202012_publink100054287

[Opus 17]

If you are a self-employed independent contractor, your job related expenses are reported against your income on schedule C, and are completely unrelated to your personal itemized deductions (for things like state and local taxes paid, personal medical expenses, and donations to charity.)

If you are a w-2 worker, work-related expenses are a miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to the 2% rule on schedule A using form 2106.  This deduction was disallowed for tax years 2018-2025 by the 2017 tax reform, although it may still be allowed in your state, which is why Turbotax allows you to enter it.  But it doesn't have any effect on your federal taxes.