What is Schedule A (Itemized Deductions)?
IRS schedule for claiming itemized deductions including mortgage interest, state taxes, medical expenses, and charitable contributions.
Definition
Schedule A allows taxpayers to itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction. Itemized deductions include medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI, state and local taxes (capped at $10,000 SALT), mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and casualty losses from federally declared disasters. Since the 2017 tax reform doubled the standard deduction, fewer taxpayers itemize. However, for some expats and high-income taxpayers, itemizing may still provide greater tax savings.
Who Needs to Know This?
Taxpayers whose total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction. Dual-status taxpayers must itemize (cannot use standard deduction).
Key Deadline
Filed with annual Form 1040
Potential Penalties
N/A - this is a deduction election
Related Forms
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1Itemizing when the standard deduction would be larger
- 2Not knowing the $10,000 SALT deduction cap
- 3Dual-status filers not knowing they must itemize
- 4Not keeping receipts for charitable contributions
Related Terms
Harsh Agarwal, EA · IRS Enrolled Agent
Reviewed for accuracy by Zenith Financial Advisors
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