Definition

Specific expenses you can subtract from your taxable income, such as mortgage interest or charitable donations, instead of using the standard deduction.

What to consider

  • Keep organized records of expenses that can reduce your taxable income.
  • Decide if itemizing offers a better benefit than the standard deduction.
  • Review your receipts and documents to ensure accuracy.

Real world scenarios

  • When preparing her tax return, Emily opted for itemized deductions such as mortgage interest and charitable contributions to lower her taxable income.

Related terms

Taxes