Independent Itemized Deduction

[rabur116]

Hi,

I was being claimed as dependent in 2019, and because of that I don't have Schedule A form. This year, I am filing as independent. On 2020 Turbo Tax, I stated that I itemized deductions in 2019 bec. the line 9 on 1040 is different. However during Smart Check, the 2020 Turbo Tax asks for the amount of 2019 Schedule A line 5a. I don't have a Schedule A form in 2019. Can you please tell the right step for this case?

Thanks in advance,

Ramon

[MayaD]

Line 9 on your 1040 reflects your standard deduction as a dependent.

The standard deduction amount for an individual who may be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer cannot exceed the greater of $1,100 or the sum of $350 and the individual's earned income (not to exceed the regular standard deduction amount).

TurboTax is asking you if you itemized last year because if you did, part or all your 2019 state refund might be taxable this year. 

Since you did not itemize, you need to review and correct your answer.

• Login to your account.
• Select Federal from the left menu.
• Go to Income and expenses.
• Scroll down to Other Common Income .
• Select Edit next to State and Local Tax refund

[rabur116]

Hi,

The 1040 line 9 of my 2019 is 9,611 ( I was being claimed as dependent in 2019). Is this number also going to be the amount of 2019 Schedule A line 5a?

This is being asked on 2020 filing and I don't have Schedule A from 2019.

I appreciate your help.

[macuser_22]

No.  The 1040 line 9 is yous standard deduction for a dependent.

Schedule A is the deductible amount of state tax if you could itemize.   They are totally unrelated.

Exactly what is the 2020 question?

[Opus 17]

The reason you are being asked the question is that, if you itemized last year, your state tax refund might be taxable this year.  I don't think there is any other reason to ask. If you did not itemize last year, check "no" even though your standard deduction (as a dependent) is sometimes less than the standard deduction for people who are not dependents. 

[rabur116]

Let me try to answer it with "No" and see how it comes out. 

Thanks you so much!