Fill out Schedule A (Itemized Deductions) online
Schedule A is used to claim itemized deductions instead of the standard deduction on your Form 1040. It covers medical expenses, state and local taxes, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, casualty losses, and other miscellaneous deductions.
How to fill out Schedule A (Itemized Deductions)
Calculate medical and dental expenses
Enter total medical and dental expenses on line 1. Subtract 7.5% of your AGI (line 3). Only the amount exceeding this threshold is deductible on line 4.
Enter taxes you paid
Report state and local income taxes (or sales taxes), real estate taxes, and personal property taxes. The combined deduction for these taxes is capped at $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately).
Report interest you paid
Enter home mortgage interest reported on Form 1098. Include points paid on the purchase of your main home and investment interest expenses from Form 4952.
Claim charitable contributions
Enter gifts to qualified charitable organizations. Cash contributions require written acknowledgment for amounts of $250 or more. Non-cash contributions over $500 require Form 8283.
Total your deductions and compare
Add all deductions on line 17. Compare this total to the standard deduction for your filing status. Enter the larger amount on Form 1040, line 12.
About Schedule A (Itemized Deductions)
Who needs this form
Taxpayers whose total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction for their filing status. Common situations include homeowners with large mortgage interest payments, taxpayers with significant charitable donations, and those with substantial state and local tax payments.
Where to submit
Attach Schedule A to your Form 1040 when filing. The total itemized deductions from line 17 transfer to Form 1040, line 12.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Check the latest official form instructions for the filing year that applies to you.
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Itemizing when the standard deduction would result in a lower tax liability
- Exceeding the $10,000 cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions
- Deducting medical expenses that do not exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income
- Not keeping adequate records and receipts for charitable contributions
Frequently asked questions
Is this form free to fill out?
Yes. SimplePDF lets you fill out PDF forms in your browser for free. Most users can do this without creating an account. For team and business features, see our pricing plans.
Do I need to create an account?
No. You can fill out and download the form without creating an account or signing up.
Is my data secure?
Yes, you edit documents in your browser. In the free flow, SimplePDF does not process document contents on its servers. In paid plans, completed files are stored either by SimplePDF or in your own storage, based on your settings. Read our privacy policy for more details.
Is this legal, tax, or immigration advice?
No. SimplePDF provides form-filling tools and general informational content, not professional advice. Verify requirements with official instructions or a qualified professional.
Can I share a direct link to this form?
Yes! You can create a direct link to any PDF by prefixing its URL with simplepdf.com/. For example: simplepdf.com/https://example.com/form.pdf. Anyone who opens the link can fill out the form immediately in their browser. You can also embed the editor in your own website.
Should I itemize or take the standard deduction?
You should itemize if your total deductions on Schedule A exceed the standard deduction for your filing status. For most taxpayers, the standard deduction is the better choice since it was nearly doubled by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. However, homeowners with large mortgages, those with significant charitable giving, or taxpayers in high-tax states may benefit from itemizing.
SimplePDF provides a tool to fill out PDF forms. We are not affiliated with any government agency or form issuer. It is your responsibility to verify the accuracy and completeness of any information entered. SimplePDF is not liable for errors, omissions, or consequences resulting from the use of filled-out forms.