deduction doesn't work

[Chen]

last year, after home loan and property tax entered, the number (the tax I own) will drop, but this year, nothing happened, it stay the same. 

[NCperson · Accepted solution]

And there is a good chance that because of the tax law changes, you are no longer have enough to itemize

Review schedule A to determine whether you have enough to itemize

[IsabellaG · Accepted solution]

If you are married, filing a joint return, your deductions would have to be more than $24,000 to itemize. If you are single, you'd need $12,000, and $18,000 for Head of Household. Plus, no matter how much state and local taxes (SALT) you paid, you can only claim $10,000. Many taxpayers can't itemize this year.

[Chen]

thank you so much for your help

[Chen]

got it, thank you so much 

quick question, if my wife and I  has been living in the separate states for the whole year, shall I file jointly or separately?

We have a house in one of the states, thank you so much.

[IsabellaG · Accepted solution]

You can file either separately or jointly. Most of the time, it's better to file a joint return. Keep in mind that if you file separately, if one of you itemizes deductions, then both of you have to itemize.  Your best bet is to try it both ways and file the way that gets you the lowest tax.

[Chen]

got it, thank you so much for your help!!

[xmasbaby0]

STANDARD DEDUCTION

Many taxpayers are surprised this year 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.

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.  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 new tax laws, some deductions have been capped—there is a $10,000 limit to the itemized deductions for state, local, property and sales taxes.

Your standard deduction lowers your taxable income.  It is not a refund 

2018 Standard Deductions:

Single   $12,000  (+ $1600 65 or older)

Married Filing Separately    $12,000  (+ $1300 65 or older)

Married Filing Jointly  $24,000  (+ $1300 each spouse 65 or older)

Head of Household  $18,000  (+ $1600 65 or older

Look at line 8 of your Form 1040 to see your standard or itemized deductions.