Standard Deduction bigger than Itemizing question

[squidlady]

I am self-employed and we've always itemized. This year, the standard deduction is giving us a bigger refund.

I'm asking because it was close (the 2 methods) and I did input all of our charitable contributions (there are quite a few) and all my self-employed business deductions, etc. like I have done every year. My question is - now that we will be choosing the standard deduction, will the IRS actually SEE all of the charity/self-employed stuff that I've entered into TT? Because next year I will be filing alone (due to divorce) and wanted the IRS to see the continuous pattern of charitable giving (etc.) from year to year.  I've always assumed that they look for some sort of consistency in peoples' returns year after year. Maybe they don't, but it makes sense (to me) that they would.

I hope this makes sense. Thank you in advance.

[bwoirhaye]

If you take the standard deduction, there won't be a Schedule A filed, so the IRS will not see the charitable deductions and other deductions.  

Most self employment stuff would be on a different form like a schedule C, that wouldn't be different if you took the standard deduction.

I am not qualified to speculate on whether they look for a pattern of charitable giving from year to year, but as long as you don't try to deduct more than you are allowed to, it should be fine.

[squidlady]

Thank you for this information, I appreciate it! I would imagine it is quite common for people to itemize some years and take the standard deduction other years, if they have fluctuating incomes (like I do). 

[bwoirhaye]

I imagine so.  Personally, I try to bunch up charitable donations into a single taxable year (eg: donate to annual causes in January and December) and go light the next year, so I can do one year with higher itemized deductions and the next year with a standard deduction.

[squidlady]

Interesting, I never thought of doing that. For me personally I think as long as I am self-employed (and will be single) I'll still be itemizing. But who knows what will happen with the standard deduction in future years.

[VolvoGirl]

FYI - There may be some confusion.    Don't confuse itemized deductions on schedule A with your business expenses/deductions on schedule C. They are separate.  For Schedule A personal deductions, you get to take your itemized deductions or the standard deduction, whichever is larger. Itemized deductions are things like Medical, Gifts to Charity, State Income Taxes Paid, Mortgage Interest, Property Taxes, Car Registration fees, etc.

You get to take both, your business expenses AND the Standard Deduction (or your personal Itemized Deductions).

[squidlady]

Right, gotcha. I definitely misspoke. Have been self-employed and doing my own taxes for over 25 years and realized I didn't explain it right! Thanks for posting!