What does itemized deductions mean?

[HelenaC]

Itemized deductions are when you list your tax expenses instead of taking the federal standard deduction. The federal standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount, based on your filing status and age, that the IRS lets you take off (deduct) from your taxable income.

Common itemized expenses include are:

• The mortgage interest you pay on up to two homes, 
• Your state and local income or sales taxes, 
• Property taxes, 
• Medical and dental expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income, 
• The charitable donations you make. 
• Also miscellaneous deductions such as work-related travel and union dues. 

To itemize, 

• Search for itemized deductions, choosing in your TurboTax program. Be sure to use this exact term, including the comma and space.

• Then, in the search results, click the "Jump to" link. This will take you straight to a screen where you can change your deduction.

Related information:

• What's my standard deduction for 2016?
• Can I itemize my deductions?
• How do I itemize?
• How do I switch to the standard deduction?
• Did I itemize last year?