topic Re: standard vs itemized deductions in After you file

standard vs itemized deductions

ednpearl — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:15:07 GMT

2021, February 22

Hi: I just filed my 2021 Federal and CA state taxes with Turbo Tax. This note has to do with Itemized vs. Standard deductions. Here is the data from my filed return.

My Schedule A, Itemized Deductions (Line 17), is $ 31,192. My Standard Deduction plus allowance of $600 for contributions is $28,400 (Line 12c). This is less than my Itemized Deduction). The Turbo Tax program said Itemized Deductions would be best for me and I filed that way. . So I was surprised when examining the filed returns, Line 12a shows my Standard Deduction. Why did Turbo Tax use the Standard Deduction??

Thanks for any help. I need to know this in order to have confidence in the Turbo Tax program..

Re: standard vs itemized deductions

Vanessa A — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:41:36 GMT

If line 17 of your schedule A is showing $31,000 but TurboTax is still giving you the standard deduction, at the end of the deductions and credits section, you will come to a summary screen. When you get there click on the Itemized deduction option. You will then be asked "Which deduction do you want to take this year?" If you select Itemized Deductions then this should give you the Itemized deduction of $31,000 instead of the standard deduction.

(Edited 2/22/2022 @ 4:41PM PST) @ednpearl

Re: standard vs itemized deductions

Mike9241 — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 20:41:32 GMT

@Vanessa A you didn't properly answer her question. she is saying line 17 on schedule A is over $31K. that's the amount that's supposed to be deductible after any limitations on medical, taxes, charity and mortgage interest. so if Turbotax is only taking the $28K standard deduction either Turbotax is in error or she has omitted something

Re: standard vs itemized deductions

Mike9241 — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 20:54:22 GMT

@Vanessa A response is incomplete at best. if schedule A line 17 is showing $31,000, that's after all limitations for medical, taxes, charity and mortgage interest. since that exceeds your standard deduction, I would expect Turbotax to use the itemized number. contact support.