I heard the 2017 standard deduction has changed to a higher amount of $12,000. I'm self employed. Should I use the EZ version or itemize on Schedule C?

[Anonymous]

no it hasn't.     for single it is $6350, married $12,700

$12,000 is for single in 2018

TT would automatically use schedule C-EZ if its applicable 

[SteamTrain]

...and don't confuse the Business expenses/deductions with the regular personal deductions.

Only your business deductions and expenses go on the Schedule C, and those have little-to-nothing to do with your personal itemized deductions.  Only the Personal/itemized deductions are balanced against the "Standard" deduction.

[xmasbaby0]

2017 Standard Deductions

Single    $6350  (65 or older + $1550)

Married Filing Separately   $6350  (65 or older +  $1250)

Married Filing Jointly           $12,700  (65 or older + $1250@)

Head of Household $9350  (65 or older + $1550)

(Also + $1600 if blind)

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)

Your business expenses go on Schedule C (or maybe CEZ) -- they have nothing to do with your standard deduction.