IRS Tax Reform Tip: Tax Reform Affects If and How Taxpayers Itemize Their Deductions

Tax reform that affects both individuals and businesses was enacted in December 2017. It’s commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, TCJA or simply tax reform. In addition to nearly doubling standard deductions, TCJA changed several itemized deductions that can be claimed on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions.

This means that many individuals who formerly itemized may now find it more beneficial to take the standard deduction. Taxpayers may only do one or the other. They either take the standard deduction or claim itemized deductions.

The tax reform law made the following changes to itemized deductions that can be claimed on Schedule A for 2018.

Limit on overall itemized deductions suspended.

The income-based phase-out of certain itemized deductions does not apply in 2018. This means that some taxpayers may be able to deduct more of their total itemized deductions if their deductions were limited in the past because their income was above certain levels.

Deduction for state and local income, sales and property taxes modified.

A taxpayer’s deduction for state and local income, sales and property taxes is limited to a combined, total deduction. The limit is $10,000 - $5,000 if married filing separately. Anything above this amount is not deductible.

New dollar limit on total qualified residence loan balance.

The date a taxpayer took out their mortgage or home equity loan may also impact the amount of interest they can deduct. If a taxpayer’s loan was originated or was treated as originating on or before Dec. 15, 2017, they may deduct interest on up to $1 million in qualifying debt, or $500,000 for taxpayers who are married filing separately, If the loan originated after that date, the taxpayer may only deduct interest on up to $750,000 in qualifying debt, or $375,000 for taxpayers who are married filing separately. The limits apply to the combined amount of loans used to buy, build or substantially improve the taxpayer’s main home and second home.

Deduction for home equity interest modified.

Interest paid on most home equity loans is not deductible unless the interest is paid on loan proceeds used to buy, build or substantially improve a main home or second home.

For example, interest on a home equity loan used to build an addition to an existing home is typically deductible, while interest on the same loan used to pay personal living expenses, such as credit card debts, is not.

As under prior law, the loan must be secured by the taxpayer’s main home or second home (known as a qualified residence), not exceed the cost of the home and meet other requirements.

Limit for charitable contributions modified.

The limit on the deduction for charitable contributions of cash has increased from 50 percent to 60 percent of a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. This means that some taxpayers who make large donations to charity may be able to deduct more of what they give this year.

Deduction for casualty and theft losses modified.

A taxpayer’s net personal casualty and theft losses must now be attributable to a federally declared disaster to be deductible.

Miscellaneous itemized deductions suspended.

Previously, when a taxpayer itemized, they could deduct the amount of their miscellaneous itemized deductions that exceeded 2 percent of their adjusted gross income. These expenses are no longer deductible.

This includes unreimbursed employee expenses such as uniforms, union dues and the deduction for business-related meals, entertainment and travel. It also includes deductions for tax preparation fees and investment expenses, such as investment management fees, safe deposit box fees and investment expenses from pass-through entities.

More Information: Tax Reform Basics for Individuals and Families