Filing Schedules A and B for Itemized Deductions for 2010

Filing Schedules A and B for Itemized Deductions for 2010
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The standard 1040 Federal Tax form encompasses most tax payers’ situations. However, subsets of the form called schedules allow tax payers to claim important tax information. Schedules A & B are used to itemize deduction in lieu of taking the standard deduction. In some cases, this option lowers a tax payer’s taxable income for 2010 resulting in a lower tax liability.

Who Should File Schedules A & B

The question is not so much who may file the schedule A & B for 2010, but rather who should. Tax payers who believe they may have had certain expenses in excess of the standard deduction should consider filling out Schedules A & B to use as a worksheet to determine their total itemized deductions. By itemizing deductions, tax payers can see where their money has been spent for certain items throughout the year and may find the total itemized deductions is in excess of the standard deduction.

Items found on Schedules A & B include medical and dental expenses. Examples of medical and dental expenses that may be deducted from gross income include insurance premiums for medical and dental coverage, prescription medications, and expenses paid to qualified medical professionals. Money spent on diagnostics tests and examinations may also be deducted including any hospital stays and nursing help. The supplemental part of Medicare insurance (Part B) and premiums paid to Medicare (Part D) may be included in the itemization. Even programs to stop smoking and lose weight may be claimed.

Certain taxes withheld for state and local governments and agencies may be claimed including mandatory contributions made to certain state programs. According to the current 2010 Instructions for Schedules A:

“Generally, you can deduct the actual state and local general sales tax (including compensating use taxes) you paid in 2010 if the tax rate was the same as the general sales tax rate.”

These schedules further allow deductions for real estate taxes, personal property taxes, and several others. Interest paid, for example, for a home mortgage may be claimed as well as qualified mortgage insurance premiums. Investment interest and a portion of gifts to charities may be deducted. Even losses from casualties and theft may be claimed. Finally, job expenses and a host of other, miscellaneous deductions can be claimed.

Conclusion

Schedules A & B should be filled out as a worksheet by all tax payers who believe that their total itemized deductions will be greater than the standard deduction for 2010. By deducting more from gross income than the standard deduction, taxable income should logically be reduced thereby lessening tax liability. For most people, the standard deduction is greater than the total deductions from itemizing. However, people in extreme circumstances may find itemization to be a better method of taking the allowable deduction.

Always consult with a tax professional for questions about your tax liability.

This post is part of the series: Federal Income Taxes, the IRS, and the 1040 Tax Form and Schedules

U.S. Federal Income Taxes are a complicated matter to figure. There are numerous forms, sub-forms, and schedules the filing of which are necessary for some and not for others. Learn about income taxes, the 1040, and the 1040’s numerous schedules.

  1. Learn Whether You Must File a 1040 Income Tax Form for the 2010 Tax Year
  2. Qualifying to File a 1040EZ Income Tax Form vs. the 1040
  3. Should You Itemize Your Deductions with Schedules A and B for 2010?
  4. Learn Whether You Need to File a Schedule C with Your Income Taxes
  5. Should You File a Schedule C or C-EZ with Your Federal Tax Form 1040?
  6. Filing for Capital Gains and Losses on Schedule D of Income Tax Form 1040
  7. Filing Tax Schedule E for Supplemental Income or Losses
  8. Find Out Whether you Qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Need to File a Schedule EIC
  9. Filing Schedule F with Federal Tax Form 1040 to Report Income or Losses from Farming
  10. Federal Income Tax Schedule R for the Elderly and Disabled
  11. Am I Required to File Schedule SE for Self Employment Income?