My status single line 10 taxable income was 81299. Turbotax made line 11a 13095, no boxes checked. Tax table says 13820. Why?

[rsiegelm]

Why did Turbotax give a lower line 11a tax than the tax table?

[rsiegelm]

This is because it was necessary to use the Qualified Dividends and Capital Gain Tax Worksheet to determine line 11a.

[mesquitebean]

Yes, that is a common reason.   Good luck.

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

TurboTax doesn't always use the tax tables.  It will use whatever method is dictated by your tax situation.  There are several ways taxes are calculated.

Here's a common situation for a lower amount, for example.  Did you have any capital gains or qualified dividends?  If so, your tax is calculated on the Qualified Dividends and Capital Gain Tax Worksheet.

You appear to be using Online Premier.  (according to what is indicated next to your screen name above.)

Here's how to see the method(s) TurboTax used to calculate your tax in Online TurboTax.

• Open your return ("take me to my return.")
• Once open, in the left menu column click on TAX TOOLS, then TOOLS.
• In the Tools window, choose "View Tax Summary."
• At the Tax Summary screen, again go to left menu column and click "Preview Form 1040".
• That will open the 1040 Worksheet, where you can review the 1040 Worksheet and schedules.
• Scroll down to Line 10 and just below Line 10, you will see Tax Smart Worksheet.
• That will show the calculation method.