Standard Fed/Itemize state

[Mamaw56]

I've spent the better part of my day trying to figure out how to use the Standard Deduction for my Federal Return and Itemize for my State Return(which my state allows). This has got to be a major problem many are facing and I'm surprised that Turbo Tax has not addressed this issue. Very frustrating! It won't even let me detach my state in order to file them separately. 

[DawnC · Accepted solution]

Enter all of you itemized deductions on the federal return and TurboTax will transfer them to your state return.   Take the standard deduction on your federal return and when you get to the state return, you will be given the option to itemize if your state allows it.   But the itemized deductions still need to be entered on the federal return before preparing your state return.  

You can e-file your returns separately, but if you file them separately, the federal has to be filed and accepted before you will be able to file your state return.   

[Mamaw56]

I had gone back to my Federal and completed Schedule A, Turbo Tax wanted to complete my taxes with Itemized not giving me the opportunity to come back after completing state, which is why I did not complete state so I could go back to my Federal.  This is why using AI does not always work well because it does not have the ability to handle any software issues that pop up.  At this point I have figured out that I need to file my taxes either separately with Turbo Tax(although finding how to delete either has eluded me so far)or on-line using the IRS and my states websites, which are free, and save money and forgo using Turbo Tax. But thank you for your response.

[Mamaw56]

Yes I did go back again and filled in my itemized deductions on federal, it then chose the standard, I completed and then went to state where it did indeed  carry over to state the itemized deductions that my state allowed. It was very easy…thanks to all who responded❤️

[mwmcdaniel]

I created the federal standard deduction and need to itemize for ms itemized deductions (allowed) but it reverts to standard deductions only for both.  I saw the footnote instructing to go back to the federal form and enter the allowed mortgage interest, taxes, etc, which said it would update the state. it did not. i chatted online with a turbotax 12 tax expert who said turbotax will not allow it. She said the system will not allow standard on federal and itemized on state (even though ms allows it.) so confused. So I need to file federal via efile, wait for it to be accepted and then redo my state return? How can this be? Thanks.

[mwmcdaniel]

also, if i go ahead and file the federal with standard deductions and wait for it to be accepted, when I start the ms state return will it even allow me to select itemized? one the responses said there would be a choice given when you start the state after the federal and i did not have the option. although there was the footnote that if my itemizations were above 4600 to go back and add the items to the federal form. thanks.

[BrittanyS]

I would like to take a deeper look at this. However, I need a diagnostic file which is a copy of your tax return that has all of your personal information removed. You can send one to us by following the directions below:

TurboTax Online:

1. Sign into your online account.
2. Locate the Tax Tools on the left-hand side of the screen.
3. A drop-down will appear. Select Tools
4. On the pop-up screen, click on “Share my file with agent.”
5. This will generate a message that a diagnostic file gets sanitized and transmitted to us.
6. Please provide the Token Number that was generated in the response.

TurboTax Desktop/Download Versions:

1. Open your return.
2. Click the Online tab in the black bar across the top of TurboTax and select “Send Tax File to Agent” *
3. This will generate a message that a diagnostic copy will be created.  Click on OK and the tax file will be sanitized and transmitted to us.
4. Please provide the Token Number (including the dash) that was generated in the response.

*(If using a MAC, go to the menu at the top of the screen, select Help, then, “Send Tax File to Agent”)

[Pkhaselton]

Turbo tax is NOT transferring my itemized deductions on Schedule A of the 1040 to my Kentucky state return.  I am taking the standard deduction on federal but need the itemized deductions on Kentucky?  I have spent an hour and a half on the phone with Turbo Tax and they can't figure it out either????  PLEASE help!

[MayaD]

What is your filing status? 

DIVIDING DEDUCTIONS BETWEEN SPOUSES: Married couples filing a joint federal return and who wish to file separate returns or a combined return for Kentucky may: (a) file separate Schedules A showing the specific deductions claimed by each, or (b) file one Schedule A and divide the total deductions between them based on the percentage of each spouse’s income to total income.

TurboTax will select the itemized deduction when the amount exceeds the standard deductions $3160 

[LYNN L]

HELP....noone at turbo tax seems to know why??? 2024 tax return

I have completed the federal deductions and on filing of the return the standard is better - however for NY I want to file itemized and turbo tax is giving me the standard deduction - Is there a glitch in the system. ??

I have state taxes for itemized deductions of 15,000 although I am allowed 10,000 but on NY return I am only getting the standard deduction of 8,000 - I should get the itemize deduction of 10,000 ( maximum allowed in state taxes to deduct? 

[LenaH]

State and local taxes is not deductible as a NYS itemized deduction. Therefore, once that is subtracted out on the IT-196 (Line 41), your total state itemized deductions are most likely less than the NYS standard deduction. 

Per NYS law, The total amount of deductions from federal adjusted gross income shall be reduced by the amount of such federal deductions for... income taxes imposed by this state or any other taxing jurisdiction.

 @LYNN L 

[Edited 4/11/25 l 2:42PM PST]