Married Filing Separate - Itemized or Standard Deduction
1
Per IRS Publication 504, if one spouse itemizes deductions on a Married Filing Separately return, the other spouse cannot claim the standard deduction.To indicate that your spouse filed MFS and itemized deductions on their return, follow the steps below.
Online
Dashboards
From within your TaxAct return, click About.
On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your screen, then make your selection.
Beside your name, click Edit.
Continue through the interview till you get to the What best describes your relationship status? screen.
Make sure that your filing status is marked as Married with the question Will you file this return with your spouse? marked No.
Click Continue and Continue again.
In the Spouse section, click Edit.
Check the box My spouse itemized deductions on their separate return.
Click Continue.
Classic Navigation
From within your TaxAct return, click Basic Info.
On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your screen, then make your selection.
Click Edit beside Marital Status.
Make sure that Married is selected, with the question Will you file this return with your spouse? marked No. Click Continue.
Check the box My spouse itemized deductions on their separate return, and click Continue.
Desktop
From within your TaxAct return, click Basic Info.
Click the Filing Status tab.
Ensure that Married filing separately is marked and click Continue.
Check the box My spouse itemizes deductions on his or her separate return and click Continue.