**Tax Year 2018 or earlier** My 2018 itemized deductions are $37,871. TT recommends I take fed std deduction of $25,300 vs the chosen $22,871 itemized. $15,000 delta is paid alimony. Why excluded?

[cwbg10]

I entered all deductions, anTT is saying my itemized deductions are less than the Fed Std. TT's own summary has total deductions at $37,871.   TT came back saying this "Although we recommend you take the federal standard deduction of $25,300, you've chosen to itemize you deductions of $22,871 instead"   I'm confused.

[TaxGuyBill · Accepted solution]

Alimony is an 'above the line' deduction.  It is not part of your Itemized Deductions.

So your alimony is fully deductible regardless if you take the Standard Deduction or Itemize your deductions.