Final answer:
The statement is false. Claude has the option to itemize deductions because they exceed the standard deduction. By choosing to itemize, Claude forfeits the right to claim the standard deduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. Taxpayers have the option to either take the standard deduction or itemize their deductions on their tax return. A taxpayer like Claude would itemize their deductions only if their total deductions exceed the standard deduction for their filing status. Since Claude's deductions from Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceed the standard deduction, Claude has the option to itemize those deductions, thus potentially reducing his taxable income more than the standard deduction would. In doing so, however, Claude cannot claim the standard deduction since taxpayers are not allowed to claim both itemized deductions and the standard deduction.
It's important to clarify that itemizing deductions can be more beneficial if the total amount exceeds the standard deduction. Therefore, it is a choice made by the taxpayer based on which method lowers their taxable income the most. Taxable income is calculated after the deductions (whether standard or itemized) have been subtracted from the AGI, and this will determine the amount of income tax owed.