It won't let me switch to itemized? I need to change it because my wife filed itemized

[macuser_22 · Accepted solution]

You can switch to itemized deductions by using the Search Topics for "itemized deductions, choosing" (under "My Account, Tools" in the online versions). Click on "Change my deduction". That will display the actual amount of itemized deductions vs. the standard deduction. 

Or in the Personal Information interview where it asks for filing status and Married not filing together, there should be questions whether the spouse is itemizing which will also switch it.

[Aksuperior]

This doesn't work for me. When I get to the screen where I can change deductions, it tells me that itemized is best, and when I select it and try to move on, the page simply reloads.

[VolvoGirl]

Is it this error?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-credits-and-deductions/help/why-am-i-not-getting-the-itemized-... 

[maine4]

I have the same issue. Were you able to fix it?

[Cynthiad66]

Follow the steps below to change your decision about whether you want to itemized deductions (or have to use that method).

1. Sign into your TurboTax account >  Click Tax Tools from the left-side menu.
2. Select Tools from the drop-down menu.
3. Click Topic Search, type Standard Deduction and click Go.
4. On the next screen, Select change my deduction  at the bottom of the screen (see image below)

@maine4

[maine4]

What are the steps if I use the desktop/disk. version. I used the “help” instructions and it always automatically takes the standard deductions when I go back to the “done with deductions”.

[Aksuperior]

Yes, it was solved as of March 18, on the web version at least.

[AmyC]

In the desktop version: 

1. go back to deductions and credits
2. scroll to the bottom and select Done with Deductions
3. Continue through until you reach the screen with Deductions and Credits, showing standard and itemized.
4. Continue
5. Select the box to Change my deduction
6. Dropdown appears with warning, select your desired option
7. Continue

Related: About Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions - Internal Revenue Service.

@maine4

[RussNeb]

None of these instructions work on this thread for my PC CD version of the program. I only receive this message after selecting done with deductions and credits:

"We've reviewed every deduction and credit available to be sure you're getting the maximum refund possible. Good News: You're getting a standard deduction of $x."

There is no option for selecting itemized deductions. I need to file my taxes in the next few days, and how am I supposed to do this when my wife and I must itemize?

[VolvoGirl]

Why must you itemize?  Are you filing Married filing Separate and she itemized on her return?

How to change between the Standard Deduction and Itemized Deductions

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/accessing/help/how-do-i-change-from-the-standard-deduction-to-item...

And you can switch to Forms Mode and open Schedule A to see.  If it doesn't show Schedule A in the list on the left,  Then click Open Forms box in the top of the column on the left. Open the US listing of forms

[RussNeb]

Upon further review with help via phone we found the itemized vs standard selector two screens after clicking done with deductions and credits.

[DoninGA]

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@RussNeb wrote:

We are itemizing because it is the best for us financially. Regardless, TurboTax is supposed to be able to switch between standard and itemized options.

While I can access the forms directly, TurboTax will not allow me to modify Form 1040 Line 12a manually, nor will it allow me to check box 18 on Schedule A.

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In the step-by-step interview -

Click on Federal Taxes

Click on Deductions & Credits

Click on I'll choose what I work on

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Done with Deductions

Continue until you land on the screen The Standard Deduction is Right for You!

Check the box Change my deduction

Select Itemized deductions and Continue

Complete the rest of the federal return and go through Federal Review.  Your tax return should be using the Schedule A for itemized deductions and Not the Standard Deduction.

Works using the 2021 TurboTax Premier desktop edition for Windows.

Current Version 021.000.0572