Utilized to lower a taxpayer's income that will be subject to tax, if the sum of itemized deductions surpasses the minimum threshold as established by the standard deduction. Categories of deductions include medical expenses, charitable contributions, taxes paid (state and local income taxes, real estate, property), and mortgage interest. The sum of these expenses in one tax year must be higher than the taxpayer's available standard deduction to provide a tax benefit. (see standard deduction)