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New Member
posted Apr 7, 2024 7:29:29 PM

Why can't I switch back to itemized deductions?

I am using Deluxe for Windows desktop. I followed the instructions here: https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-credits-deductions/change-standard-deduction-itemized-vice-versa/L7evWtHhv_US_en_US?uid=leaqi4vq

 

These instructions don't work! I click "Done with Deductions" in Step 4.  Then a screen comes up that says "Let's check your deductions and credits...Analysis complete. Select Continue to see results." So, I select "Continue".

 

After a couple of clicks, I get to a screen that says "Here are your 2023 deductions and credits....Good news: You're getting a standard deduction."

 

There is never a message that says: "The Standard [or Itemized] Deduction is Right for You!"

And there's no option to "Select Change my deduction and choose which one you'd like."

 

Please help!

 

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1 Replies
Expert Alumni
Apr 8, 2024 11:34:13 AM

Yes, you may not see an option to switch to itemized deductions if there's a reason why you shouldn't select itemized deductions. 

 

The most obvious reason you wouldn't get an option to switch is that you are Married Filing Separately and you indicated that your spouse is taking the Standard Deduction. 

 

Another reason the program wouldn't give you the option is if your Standard Deduction completely wipes out your tax income and you wouldn't get any benefit from itemizing. 

 

To see if that's the reason, you need to select the Forms icon in the upper right corner. Highlight Form 1040 in the list on the left and check line 15, if it's 0, you won't get any benefit from itemizing.