Need help figuring out if I itemized my deductions!

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
April 1, 2020
1 reply
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I am filling my taxes this afternoon and came across the question: Did your state or local tax refund count as income? Then the following piece of text: "Your state or local tax refund received in 2019 could count as income if you itemized your deductions in 2019. if you did this, your tax return would have a Schedule A."

My parents filed my taxes for me last year, and this is my first year doing them myself. I have my tax refund documents from last year, and have been scouring them for an answer. I have up to Line 23, and then have a Schedule 1 that goes up to line 36. I don't see Line 40 on the 1040 Form anywhere (which I was told could help me with this question). I also don't see anything called "Schedule A." Please help this newbie!

Thanks.

CatinaT1

Level 15

If you are not a homeowner, you most likely would not have a Schedule A. This question would not apply in your situation.

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VolvoGirl

Level 15

The line numbers have been changing each year. For 2018 returns, check 1040 line 8 for Standard Deduction or Itemized.

If you have one of these amounts on line 8 you took the Standard Deduction and your state refund is not taxable.

For 2018 the standard deduction amounts are:
Single 12,000 + 1,600 for 65 and over
HOH 18,000 + 1,600 for 65 and over
Joint 24,000 + 1,300 for each 65 and over
Married filing Separate 12,000 + 1,300 for 65 and over

hadleyma2019Author

Level 2

Thank you so much! This was the information I needed. Looks like on my Lien 8, I have a different amount that what my standard deduction would be according to the information you shared with me, which would mean my parents itemized my deduction last year I think.