<prompt> Human: Wife and I have combined gross income of 99,500. Married filing jointly.Mortgage interest - 7000Student loan interest - 6500Property tax - 1500State tax - 4000Total 19000Is it that simple? I see 19k in deductions vs 12600 standard. There are no definitive sources online and I feel stupid for asking, but it seems pretty clear that we should itemize. I made a lump sum payment at the end of my student loan grace period, otherwise wed be right around the break even point for itemizing vs standard.  <response>: Student loan interest is an above-the-line deduction, not included with itemized deductions. Its line 33 of the 1040. The amount you can deduct is capped at 2500 with an income phase-out starting at 130k, but you clear that.So sounds like your itemized deductions are actually coming out to 12,500 and you may just end up taking the standard deduction. But, yes, thats generally how itemizing works. 