Deductions

Should I Itemize?
Generally, you must decide whether to itemize deductions or to use the standard deduction. You should itemize deductions if your allowable itemized deductions are more than your standard deduction. Some taxpayers must itemize deductions because they do not qualify for the standard deduction.

Those taxpayers not eligible to use the standard deduction include nonresident aliens, dual–status aliens, and individuals who file returns for periods of less than 12 months. When a married couple files separate returns and one spouse itemizes deductions, the other spouse must also itemize deductions.

Itemized deductions are certain expenses that you can use to lower your taxes. The categories of itemized deductions are:

• Medical and dental expenses,
• State and local income taxes, or sales tax,
• Real estate and personal property taxes,
• Home mortgage and investment interest,
• Casualty and theft losses,
• Charitable contributions,
• Miscellaneous deductions.

For additional information, refer to:

• Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information.
• Form 1040 Instructions,
• Publication 17.