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Video: What Are Itemized Tax Deductions?

Updated for Tax Year 2017 • December 1, 2022 09:09 AM


OVERVIEW

Itemized tax deductions can help save you even more money during tax season if your deductions exceed the standard amount. Learn about itemizing your tax deductions with help from TurboTax in this video on annual tax filing.


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For tax years beginning 2018, the 1040A and EZ forms are no longer available. They have been replaced with a new 1040 form. For those who are filing or amending prior year returns, you can continue to use form 1040A or EZ.


 

Video transcript:

Hi, I'm Arye from TurboTax with some helpful information about itemized tax deductions.
The IRS gives you two different options when it comes to claiming deductions on your tax return. You can take the standard deduction or you can itemize your deductions.
  • The standard deduction is a flat amount set by the IRS for each filing status that you can deduct from your taxable income. The standard deduction is simple, but may not allow you to maximize your tax savings.
  • Itemized tax deductions are individual expenses you can claim to decrease your taxable income. Added up together, they can add up to more than your standard deduction and potentially save you a lot on your taxes.
There are a wide range of deductible expenses such as mortgage interest, state and local property and income taxes, medical expenses and charitable contributions. Total your eligible expenses up and compare that total to the standard deduction.
You should only itemize your deduction if it ends up higher than the standard deduction.

If you decide to itemize, you'll need to fill out a Schedule A attachment with your tax return. Note that you'll need to file on a standard Form 1040, as forms 1040EZ and 1040A don’t allow itemized deductions (beginning with the 2018 tax year, forms 1040EZ and 1040A will no longer be available).

With TurboTax, we’ll ask simple questions and fill out the right forms for you.

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