Why won't it let me take the standardized deduction when my husband is not itemizing?

[shell-lutz]

My husband already filed separately and did not itemize, but TT will not let me take standardized deduction stating "since your spouse is itemizing deductions, you cannot claim the standard deduction and must itemize."  This is incorrect, how do I fix it?

[RaifH]

If your husband is taking the standard deduction, you should be able to as well. To verify all your entries are correct, please go back to the My Info screen on the left-hand side of your screen under 2021 Taxes.

1. Click Edit next to Married Filing Separately beneath your name.
2. Make sure the first box under Let's see if these apply is not checked that reads Either my spouse or I claim itemized deductions. Instead click the last box, None of the above. 
3. Under We need a few more details about your spouse answer the next two questions.

Once that selection is made, that should be able to take the standard deduction. Once you finish the Deductions & Credits section of your return, it will ask you to choose. Since your husband has already filed with the standard deduction, you must choose the standard deduction as well, even if itemized deductions provide a better tax outcome. 

[Carl]

When a married couple files separately, if one itemizes, then both must itemize even if the itemized deductions would be zero.

If one takes the standard deduction, then both must take the standard deduction even if itemizing would be better for one.

Additionally, you both lose a lot of other deductions too, that you would otherwise get if you filed a joint return.