How do I change from the standard deduction to itemized (or vice-versa)?

by TurboTax•866• Updated 3 days ago

When you get to the Deductions and credits section of your tax return, we'll ask you questions to determine the deduction that gives you the best outcome on your federal taxes. For most people, this is the standard deduction.

You can always switch to a different deduction. However, if you and your spouse are filing separate federal returns, both of you must take the same deduction per IRS rules. Only TurboTax Deluxe and above can handle itemized deductions.

Select your product for instructions.

TurboTax Online

Open or continue your return.
Select Deductions and credits from Tax Home.
Scroll to the bottom and select Continue.
Answer all the questions, until you get to the screen Based on what you just told us, the Standard Deduction is best for you or Based on what you just told us, itemizing deductions is best for you.
On that screen, select Change my deduction. You'll see a pop-up showing how much each deduction is worth.
If you want to change your deduction, select it and Continue; if you don't want to change your deduction, select Cancel.

TurboTax Desktop

Open or continue your return.
Select Federal Taxes.
- If using Home & Business, select Personal.
Select Deductions & Credits.
When asked how you want to enter your deductions and credits, select I'll choose what I work on.
Scroll all the way to the bottom of the Your 2024 Deductions & Credits screen and select Done with Deductions.
Continue until you see The Standard [or Itemized] Deduction is Right for You!
Select Change my deduction and choose which one you'd like.
Select Continue to apply any changes.

What about my state?

Many, but not all, states let you take a different deduction than what you took on the federal. For example, Arizona lets you itemize even if you took the federal standard deduction.

When starting your state taxes in TurboTax, we'll ask which deduction you want to take, assuming your state gives you that option.