Why can I not file 1040EZ just because I received a NC refund in 2016

[liswfriday]

I no longer have enough mortgage interest to make a difference in my refund so I wanted to file 1040EZ. Turbo tax website wont allow me to file 1040EZ, it redirects me to file Deluxe and the only reason it gives is because last year I received a NC State refund?

[AnnaB · Accepted solution]

If you itemized deductions last year, then you likely deducted income taxes paid to the state; therefore, if you receive a refund of taxes paid, you must claim it as income in the subsequent year.  This requires the long Form 1040.

[liswfriday]

SO what form can I use to file? Married jointly and just income, no itemizations this year.

[AnnaB]

You are required to use Form 1040 since you need to claim that state tax refund since you did itemize in 2015.  Next year, you will be able to use Form 1040EZ or Form 1040A (assuming you don't require the long Form 1040 for some other reason).