ID's vs. Standard deduction for MFS when spouse itemizes

[JWTinDC]

Must taxpayer itemize deductions even if lower than standard deduction when spouse itemizes deductions? The filing status is MFS. Also what's answer for federal and Maryland state?

Thanks!  jeff

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

MFS for the federal....If one itemizes the other has to as well, even if that other person has zero itemized deductions.

Someone else will have to comment on MD, or you could read their instructions.

[dascpa]

Same answer. Whatever you do for Fed you must do on MD. So if filing MFS and one itemizes the other must too and same concept with Std Deduction.  That's why MFS is sometimes referred to "a race to the mailbox" as the first spouse filing affects (usually negatively) the second spouse to file. Hence, maybe part of the reason they're filing separately.......

[JWTinDC]

Thanks for your answer. I'm GTG now.