analyzing 2017 to 2018 returns

[kathyc2]

Not saying this is the same as all returns filed, but from my client data the following occurred:

Filing Sch A 36% 2017, 5% 2018- would have been slightly higher if SALT limit would not have prevented from itemizing
Returns with refunds 68% 2017 67% 2018
43% had higher refund/lower balance due in 18 compared to 17, 57% had lower refund/higher balance due.

[ATSMAN]

I have not done a detailed analysis yet. I will do it in May. But from my observation, most MFJ taxpayers benefited from the higher Std deduction. I have a handful of SALT taxpayers who were disadvantaged BUT they were adequately prepared last year. The biggest problem issue is lower Fed. withholding and many taxpayers are still reluctant to revise their W4.