Determining Tax Deductions. If Lola Harper had the following itemized deductions, should she use Schedule A or the standard deduction? The standard deduction for her tax situation is $6,100. Donations to church and other charities, $2,050 Medical and dental expenses that exceed 10 percent of adjusted gross income, $330 State income tax, $690 Job-related expenses that exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income, $1,610