Melinda,
The numbers are much closer now. Thank you. I had been including my four estimated 2025 state tax payments, not the estimated state tax payments made during 2025. When I included my higher estimated state tax payment for 4th quarter 2024 made in Jan 2025, and excluded the smaller 4th quarter 2025 payment made in Jan 2026, the total became. $13, 219 in estimated state payments. I also had $100 withheld in 2025 from an RMD for 2025 state taxes. If you add that $100, then my total state tax payments made in 2025 was $13,319. I also received the refund due for my 2024 state taxes of $542. Subtracting $542 from $13,319 leaves $12,777 (quite close to Turbo's number). Comparing taking the standard deduction versus itemizing, it turns out taking the standard is slightly better for me when I consider both state and federal taxes, in which case Line 5a won't be a factor. I am interested though, should that refund I received of $542 be subtracted as I did above? I didn't read anything specific on that in Schedule A , line 5a instructions.
