Let me choose the standard deduction before jumping through the automatic hoops

[jwallsf]

I'd like to suggest that I be allowed to simply choose the standard deduction instead of being run through page after page of useless itemization inquiry (and having to run downstairs to get my car registration payment info, dig out my dental bills, etc.). We have been taking the standard deduction forever, and will almost certainly continue to do so. Please let me just choose to take the standard deduction so we can skip all the itemizing nonsense. Thank you.

[xmasbaby0]

You are not being forced to enter itemized deductions.

If you want to skip entering your itemized deductions you can do that.  Many people will not have enough itemized deductions this year to itemize, and will just be getting their new higher standard deduction.  The thing is, though, that some of those deductions could make a difference on a state return even if they do not affect your federal return.  Information flows from your federal return to your state return, so it might not be a bad idea to go ahead and enter them anyhow.  It cannot hurt you.

The following states allow you to itemize deductions on just the state return: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Wisconsin, 

[jwallsf]

I didn't notice any point where I could have skipped it. Since I only do this once a year, I keep forgetting that I will be trotted through several pages of questions on itemized deductions, only to reach the end and be told it would be better for me to take the standard deduction.