topic One can add $300 charitable contribution to the standard deduction in 2021 but TurboTax says I get the $300 but does not add it to the standard deduction.? in Deductions & credits

One can add $300 charitable contribution to the standard deduction in 2021 but TurboTax says I get the $300 but does not add it to the standard deduction.?

ChrisBiermann — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:30:30 GMT

I see many others also have this problem. I think it is a software error in TurboTax

Re: One can add $300 charitable contribution to the standard deduction in 2021 but TurboTax says I get the $300 but does not add it to the standard deduction.?

ChrisBiermann — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 06:31:28 GMT

Actually, on the printed version it looks correct. Still, people say that when they add the $300 it does not increase their refund. Very confusing!!

Re: One can add $300 charitable contribution to the standard deduction in 2021 but TurboTax says ...

AnnetteB6 — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 13:16:23 GMT

On Form 1040, the standard deduction is shown on line 12a; the charitable contribution allowed with the standard deduction is shown on line 12b; the sum of these two amounts is shown on line 12c and subtracted from your Adjusted Gross Income.

The refund meter/balance due amount is constantly changing as information is added to your return. It is likely that the change was just not noticed at the right time with regard to the refund being adjusted for the charitable contribution.

Re: One can add $300 charitable contribution to the standard deduction in 2021 but TurboTax says ...

ChrisBiermann — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 17:36:17 GMT

Yes. But while in the middle of entering data 12c gives a sum that does not include 12b.

Re: One can add $300 charitable contribution to the standard deduction in 2021 but TurboTax says ...

HelenC12 — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 18:04:25 GMT

@ChrisBiermann

Make sure you go through the Deductions and Credits section to the end of the interview. What is important are the figures after you enter your data not while in the middle of entering data. The $300 (single) or $600 (MFJ) charitable contributions is not added to your standard deduction amount on line 12a. The $300/$600 charitable amount is on line 12b. The total of the two is reflected on line 12c.

I confirmed that this is how TurboTax calculates line 12 amounts by entering data directly into TurboTax.

[Edited 02/20/22|10:02am PST]

Re: One can add $300 charitable contribution to the standard deduction in 2021 but TurboTax says ...

ChrisBiermann — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 19:47:00 GMT

I wish I could send you a screen shot! It does it fine when all is said and done on the final return, but after I have completed and checked my return, I feel the total deductions shown is misleading on my "Deductions & Credits" screen.

Re: One can add $300 charitable contribution to the standard deduction in 2021 but TurboTax says ...

JamesG1 — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 21:54:11 GMT

In TurboTax online Premier, I am able to report Federal 1040 line 12b Charitable Cash Contributions under CARES Act correctly.

Federal 1040 line 12b Charitable Cash Contributions under CARES Act can be entered or removed at either:

Federal Taxes / Deductions & Credits / Your tax breaks / Donations to Charity in 2021 or
at the screen Charitable Cash Contributions under CARES Act immediately following Based on what you just told us, the Standard Deduction is best for you.

But the second entry appears to produce better results.

Remove the entries at Donations to Charity in 2021 by deleting the entries.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Wrap up tax breaks.
You will see the screen Based on what you just told us, the Standard Deduction is best for you.
At the screen titled Charitable Cash Contributions under the CARES Act, make sure that the box contains the amount of the deduction for which you qualify.
At Other Tax Situations, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Let’s keep going.
Continue through Review.

Go to Tax Tools / Tools / View Tax Summary / Preview my 1040 to view line 12b for the charitable deduction.