I am surprised that it is allowing us to take old contributions back to 2011 on this tax return. We only took the standard deduction for many years. Is it correct that we can now take all those years. We give a few thousand dollars to charity every yea

[fanfare · Accepted solution]

2013 is the earliest year you can amend for a refund.  That year will expire on April 15th.

Your charity donations  and other itemized deductions must exceed your standard deduction; or you are wasting your time.

If you think you can carry over, you'll have to start with 2013 and see what affect it has on 2014.

If you want to start earlier (2011) consult a tax professional.

But I don't think you can get a carryover for donations in the "few thousands".