Itemized deduction not working

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
March 13, 2022
8 replies
58 views

In late February I finished n

inputting all my data in turbo tax deluxe as I have for 12 years now and it told me that itemizing my deductions would be best for me. However, even though I click the “itemize” button it still says I have the standardized deduction option chosen. No matter what I do, it does not change it. I reached out to turbo tax and they weren’t sure what the problem was. Seems like this might be a technical issue? I’ve waited 2-3 weeks now and it still won’t work. Anyone else having this problem?

TurboTax Deluxe Online

LenaH

Employee Tax Expert

Generally, TurboTax will automatically use the deduction (whether standard or itemized) that is most beneficial in your tax situation. The reason for TurboTax choosing standard deduction for you could be if you are taking the charitable contribution deduction ($300 or $600 depending on your filing status) on top of your standard deduction. If so, the standard deduction may be more beneficial to you.

When you preview your return, is there an amount on your 1040, Line 12b?

Please follow these steps to preview your 1040:

Open your return.
Click on Tax Tools on the left-hand side.
Click on Tools.
Click on View Tax Summary.
Click on Preview my 1040 on the left-hand side.
Scroll down to your 1040, Line 12b.

Line 12b is your contribution deduction amount on top of your standard deduction. Considering that amount, is your standard deduction greater than your itemized deductions?

If not, you can force the itemized deductions to be used. To change your election and force the itemized deductions, please follow the steps below:

Open your return.
Click on Tax Tools on the left hand side.
Click on Tools.
Click Topic Search.
Search "itemized deductions, choosing"
Click on Change my deduction.
Choose Itemized Deductions under Which deduction do you want to take this year?

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

jonnygarberAuthor

Level 2

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, I have been trying to force change to itemized deductions for the last 2 weeks through the exact directions you shared with me and it does not allow it to change.

On my form 1040 preview, Line 12b is blank. I am sharing a screenshot with my preview. I made $4,656 in donations in 2021. I'm not sure if something should be here. I am attempting to take the itemized deduction, so I assume 12b should be left blank. However, I should say I am married filing jointly, which would mean if I put $600 in line 12b, then it would actually be $25,700 which is higher than my itemized deduction of $25,640.

Does this mean I should put $600 in 12b and switch to standard deduction?

MarilynG

Level 15

Yes, you can elect to use the Standard Deduction and add the $600 Charitable Contribution under the CARES Act, for a total deduction of $25,700 (Line 12c on Form 1040).

Click this link for info on How to Switch from Standard to Itemized Deductions (or vice versa).

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

sdbowe33

Level 2

Using the TurboTax Desktop Deluxe product. Software informs me that Itemized deductions are the best for me. However, the Form view , specifically the Form 1040, on line 12a insists on inserting the standard deduction, which is lesser than my itemized amount.