Why might someone choose Itemized Deductions instead of Standard Deduction?

Selecting itemized deductions instead of the standard deduction is often driven by a desire to maximize tax benefits. This means that if an individual's total deductible expenses, such as mortgage interest, medical expenses, property taxes, or charitable contributions, exceed the amount of the standard deduction, they can lower their taxable income by itemizing. Consequently, itemizing can lead to a larger tax benefit, resulting in a potentially lower overall tax liability.

While simplicity is a valid reason for choosing the standard deduction, many taxpayers prefer to itemize when it is advantageous financially. Decreasing taxable income is indeed a goal of both itemizing and opting for the standard deduction, but choosing itemized deductions particularly enhances this if the deductible expenses are substantial. Avoiding the filing of taxes altogether is not a valid consideration in this context, as filing tax returns is a legal requirement regardless of which deduction method is chosen.