Greater of Allowed Itemized Deductions or Standard Deduction

In general you are allowed to take either the standard deduction or itemized deductions, whichever gives you the greater deduction. This calculator automatically gives you the larger deduction based on the information you provide. When you are married and filing a separate return from your spouse, and your spouse itemizes deductions, you are required to itemize deductions as well, even if it results in a smaller deduction. We do not take that into account when calculating your deduction.