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When it comes to reducing your tax burden, itemizing deductions may be the way to go. The standard deduction is certainly easier, and might be a better option if you have a simple tax situation or don't own a home. If you have numerous itemized deductions such as mortgage interest, charitable contributions, etc., it may make sense for you to itemize your deductions instead of using the standard deduction for your tax filing status. If you itemize and it totals over the standard deduction then itemizing is the way to go or the other way around if the standard deduction is larger.

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Q: Should i use itemized deduction or standard deduction?
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Can standard deduction be used if AGI over 309900?

If you are not sure of a question like this then you will need to seek professional tax assistance with a matter like this. You probably can use the standard tax deduction but then again you will certainly have several credits and deductions that will be phased out fully or at least partially phased out. Most like, depending on the situation, you probably would come out better by filing an itemized return rather that using the standard deduction.


If you use the standard deduction can you claim personal exemptions?

No


What can you claim on your federal income taxes?

Itemized deduction using the Schedule A of the 1040 tax form.If it is used it is an attachment to the federal 1040 income tax return Schedule A itemized deductions of the 1040 federal income tax return and would be used when it would benefit you if your total itemized deduction amount is more than your standard deduction amount for the year that amount would be total numbers on line 29 and if you choose to use them the number would be entered on the 1040 page 2 line 40a.Go to the IRS gov website and use the search box for Topic 500 - Itemized Deductions. The following topics are found in the category of Itemized Deductions. Each topic is followed by a corresponding number. To access your topic, select the three-digit number.Should I Itemize?Topic 501Medical and Dental ExpensesTopic 502Deductible TaxesTopic 503Home Mortgage PointsTopic 504Interest ExpenseTopic 505ContributionsTopic 506Casualty and Theft LossesTopic 507Miscellaneous ExpensesTopic 508Business Use of HomeTopic 509Business Use of CarTopic 510Business Travel ExpensesTopic 511Business Entertainment ExpensesTopic 512Educational ExpensesTopic 513Employee Business ExpensesTopic 514Casualty, Disaster, and Theft LossesTopic 515


What is a schedule A of a tax return?

If it is used it is an attachment to the federal 1040 income tax return Schedule A itemized deductions of the 1040 federal income tax return and would be used when it would benefit you if your total itemized deduction amount is more than your standard deduction amount for the year that amount would be total numbers on line 29 and if you choose to use them the number would be entered on the 1040 page 2 line 40a.Go to the IRS gov website and use the search box for Topic 500 - Itemized DeductionsThe following topics are found in the category of Itemized Deductions. Each topic is followed by a corresponding number. To access your topic, select the three-digit number.Should I Itemize?Topic 501Medical and Dental ExpensesTopic 502Deductible TaxesTopic 503Home Mortgage PointsTopic 504Interest ExpenseTopic 505ContributionsTopic 506Casualty and Theft LossesTopic 507Miscellaneous ExpensesTopic 508Business Use of HomeTopic 509Business Use of CarTopic 510Business Travel ExpensesTopic 511Business Entertainment ExpensesTopic 512Educational ExpensesTopic 513Employee Business ExpensesTopic 514Casualty, Disaster, and Theft LossesTopic 515


What is the difference in filing married single or married jointly?

Usually it is more beneficial to file as married filing joint than it is to file as married filing separate. To answer your question you will have to prepare a return both ways using the correct standard deduction for each filing status and if one itemizes the other should itemize also as the others standard deduction is -0-. If you do not itemize then the standard deduction for each is $5,700 for 2009.For more information go to the IRS.gov web site and use the search boxes for the publication and tax topic. Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information Tax Topic 353, What is your filing status Publication 504 , Divorced or Separated IndividualsAnd if you live in a community property state you could have other considerations to think about.You may be able to claim itemized deductions on a separate return for certain expenses that you paid separately or jointly with your spouse. Deductible expenses that are paid out of separate funds, such as medical expenses, are deductible by the spouse who pays them. If these expenses are paid from community funds, the deduction may depend on whether or not you live in a community property state. In a community property state, the deduction is, generally, divided equally between you and your spouse. For more information refer to Publication 555, Community Property.

Related questions

Some people use itemized deductions instead of the standard deduction What must be true for itemized deductions to lower your taxes more than the standard deduction?

Itemized deductions must exceed the standard deduction amount set by the IRS for your filing status. Common itemized deductions include mortgage interest, state and local taxes, and charitable donations. Additionally, your total itemized deductions should result in a greater reduction of taxable income compared to using the standard deduction.


What is the purpose of IRS schedule A?

Schedule A of the 1040 individual tax return is where a taxpayer will list itemized expenses if they wish to itemize. The 1040 tax return allows taxpayers the option of taking a standard deduction or to use the amount listed on their Schedule A (Itemized Expenses). Less and less people use Schedule A as the standard deduction is increased every year. With low mortgage rates most people no longer have enough itemized expenses to exceed the standard deduction. Since you can use either the standard deduction or the itemized expenses, you want to take the one that allows you to reduce your taxable income the most. This has left more and more people better off to take the standard deduction.


Why do people use deduction?

People use deduction to draw logical conclusions from available information. By using deductive reasoning, individuals can make informed decisions and solve problems based on evidence and reasoning. This method helps to arrive at a valid and reliable outcome.


Can standard deduction be used if AGI over 309900?

If you are not sure of a question like this then you will need to seek professional tax assistance with a matter like this. You probably can use the standard tax deduction but then again you will certainly have several credits and deductions that will be phased out fully or at least partially phased out. Most like, depending on the situation, you probably would come out better by filing an itemized return rather that using the standard deduction.


Can I use a 1040 ez form if I own a home?

Yes, you can file a 1040EZ if you own a home. You won't notice a difference between the EZ and standard forms in your return if you are going to be receiving a standard deduction anyways. Where there is a difference is in the itemized deductions. On the EZ, for example, you couldn't claim property tax on your home or points on your mortgage as itemized deductions.


What tax form would you use for church donations?

Put your donation on SCHEDULE A (Form 1040) on line 16, this is your Itemized Deduction form.


If you use the standard deduction can you claim personal exemptions?

No


What must you subtract to calculate income before taxes?

Add all of your total worldwide income together on your 1040 income tax return. Then if you have any adjustments to income you subtract that amount from your total income to arrive at your adjusted gross income on your 1040 federal income tax return. From your AGI you would then subtract your standard deduction amount or if you use the schedule A itemized deduction form of the 1040 tax form the itemized deduction amount whichever amount would reduce your taxable income the most. After doing that you have determined your taxable income amount that you will use to determine your federal income tax liability amount on.


What can you claim on your federal income taxes?

Itemized deduction using the Schedule A of the 1040 tax form.If it is used it is an attachment to the federal 1040 income tax return Schedule A itemized deductions of the 1040 federal income tax return and would be used when it would benefit you if your total itemized deduction amount is more than your standard deduction amount for the year that amount would be total numbers on line 29 and if you choose to use them the number would be entered on the 1040 page 2 line 40a.Go to the IRS gov website and use the search box for Topic 500 - Itemized Deductions. The following topics are found in the category of Itemized Deductions. Each topic is followed by a corresponding number. To access your topic, select the three-digit number.Should I Itemize?Topic 501Medical and Dental ExpensesTopic 502Deductible TaxesTopic 503Home Mortgage PointsTopic 504Interest ExpenseTopic 505ContributionsTopic 506Casualty and Theft LossesTopic 507Miscellaneous ExpensesTopic 508Business Use of HomeTopic 509Business Use of CarTopic 510Business Travel ExpensesTopic 511Business Entertainment ExpensesTopic 512Educational ExpensesTopic 513Employee Business ExpensesTopic 514Casualty, Disaster, and Theft LossesTopic 515


What are standard mileage rates for use of a car?

Currently in the U.S. the IRS allows .55 per mile as a standard mileage deduction.


Can you get a deduction for being a widow and how much?

There is no filing status specific to widows or widowers. Use standard deductions.


What is a schedule A of a tax return?

If it is used it is an attachment to the federal 1040 income tax return Schedule A itemized deductions of the 1040 federal income tax return and would be used when it would benefit you if your total itemized deduction amount is more than your standard deduction amount for the year that amount would be total numbers on line 29 and if you choose to use them the number would be entered on the 1040 page 2 line 40a.Go to the IRS gov website and use the search box for Topic 500 - Itemized DeductionsThe following topics are found in the category of Itemized Deductions. Each topic is followed by a corresponding number. To access your topic, select the three-digit number.Should I Itemize?Topic 501Medical and Dental ExpensesTopic 502Deductible TaxesTopic 503Home Mortgage PointsTopic 504Interest ExpenseTopic 505ContributionsTopic 506Casualty and Theft LossesTopic 507Miscellaneous ExpensesTopic 508Business Use of HomeTopic 509Business Use of CarTopic 510Business Travel ExpensesTopic 511Business Entertainment ExpensesTopic 512Educational ExpensesTopic 513Employee Business ExpensesTopic 514Casualty, Disaster, and Theft LossesTopic 515