Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions
Schedule A is where you itemize deductions like mortgage interest, state taxes, and charitable gifts instead of taking the standard deduction. Fill in the official IRS PDF below.
This is the genuine IRS PDF, unmodified. Source: IRS official page.
What is Schedule A (Form 1040)?
Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions, is the attachment used to figure itemized deductions when they add up to more than your standard deduction. Its sections cover medical and dental expenses above the income threshold, state and local taxes, home mortgage interest and points, gifts to charity, and casualty losses from federally declared disasters.
You choose between itemizing and the standard deduction each year, whichever gives the larger deduction. Some items have caps and thresholds, such as the limit on the state and local tax deduction, so the current instructions matter when the numbers are close.
Who files Schedule A (Form 1040)?
- Homeowners whose mortgage interest and property taxes exceed the standard deduction
- Taxpayers with large charitable contributions they want to deduct
- People with significant medical expenses above the income-based threshold
- Anyone whose combined itemizable expenses beat the standard deduction for their filing status
How to fill out Schedule A (Form 1040)
- Enter your name and Social Security number as shown on your Form 1040.
- Fill in each section that applies: medical expenses, state and local taxes, mortgage interest from Form 1098, charitable gifts, and any qualifying casualty losses.
- Apply the limits the form walks you through, such as the income threshold for medical expenses and the cap on state and local taxes.
- Total your itemized deductions and compare the result with your standard deduction before carrying it to Form 1040.
- Download the finished PDF and file it with your return, keeping receipts and statements with your records.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I itemize or take the standard deduction?
Take whichever is larger. Add up your deductible expenses on Schedule A: if the total beats the standard deduction for your filing status, itemizing saves you money. Otherwise the standard deduction is simpler and worth more.
Do I need receipts for charitable donations?
Yes. Keep records for every gift, and written acknowledgments from the charity for larger donations. Noncash donations above the threshold in the instructions also require Form 8283 with your return.
Can I deduct both state income tax and sales tax?
No, you choose one or the other within the state and local tax section, and the combined state and local tax deduction is capped. The instructions and the IRS sales tax calculator can help you pick the better option.