Turbotax says Standard deduction is best but I know that Itemized is better. How can I force TT to use Itemized?

[MPPirrrmann]

We have significant medical expenses over 7.5% of AGI which should mean that Itemized is better. How can I force TT to use Itemized?  Past posts say that there is a way to force it but there doesn't seem to be a way to do it (or see the Schedule A worksheet in the online version.  I've already paid the fee for premier so I can't use another option.

[xmasbaby0]

CHANGE FROM STANDARD OR FORCE ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-credits-deductions/change-standard-d...

Are you making the common mistake of just adding up all the amounts for your itemized deductions without considering the caps and thresholds that must be met?

STANDARD DEDUCTION

Many taxpayers are surprised because their itemized deductions are not having the same effect as they did on past tax returns.  The new higher standard deduction and the elimination of certain deductions, as well as the cap on state and local taxes have had a major impact since the new tax laws went into effect beginning with 2018 returns.

Your itemized deductions have to be more than your standard deduction before you will see a change in your tax owed or tax refund.  The deductions you enter do not necessarily count “dollar for dollar;” many of them are subject to meeting  tough thresholds—medical expenses, for example, must meet a threshold that is pretty hard to reach. (Only the amount that is MORE than 7.5% of your AGI counts)   The software program uses all the IRS rules that apply to the expenses you enter, and it tells you if you have enough to use your itemized deductions or if using the standard deduction is more advantageous for you.  Under the tax laws that have been in effect since 2018, some deductions have been capped—there is a $10,000 limit to the itemized deductions for state, local, property and sales taxes.

The standard deduction makes some of your income “tax free.”  It is not a refund.  You will see your standard or itemized deduction amount on line 12 of your 2024 Form 1040.

2024 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

SINGLE $14,600    (65 or older/legally blind + $1950)

MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY            $14,600    (65 or older/legally blind + $1550)

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $29,200    (65 or older/legally blind + $1550)

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $21,900    (65 or older/legally blind + $1950)

[AnnetteB6]

If you have medical expenses over 7.5% of your AGI, that only means that the portion of your medical expenses over 7.5% of the AGI may be used as itemized deductions.  

That amount plus the other categories of itemized deductions (state and local taxes, property tax, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, etc.) must still be greater than your standard deduction for it to be better for you to itemize.

This article was also shared by xmasbaby0, but it will give you instructions for changing your deduction:

How do I change from the standard deduction to itemized (or vice-versa)?

@MPPirrrmann