topic Itemized deduction not working in Deductions & credits

Itemized deduction not working

jonnygarber — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:09:35 GMT

In late February I finished n

inputting all my data in turbo tax deluxe as I have for 12 years now and it told me that itemizing my deductions would be best for me. However, even though I click the “itemize” button it still says I have the standardized deduction option chosen. No matter what I do, it does not change it. I reached out to turbo tax and they weren’t sure what the problem was. Seems like this might be a technical issue? I’ve waited 2-3 weeks now and it still won’t work. Anyone else having this problem?

Re: Itemized deduction not working

LenaH — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 13:01:40 GMT

Generally, TurboTax will automatically use the deduction (whether standard or itemized) that is most beneficial in your tax situation. The reason for TurboTax choosing standard deduction for you could be if you are taking the charitable contribution deduction ($300 or $600 depending on your filing status) on top of your standard deduction. If so, the standard deduction may be more beneficial to you.

When you preview your return, is there an amount on your 1040, Line 12b?

Please follow these steps to preview your 1040:

Open your return.
Click on Tax Tools on the left-hand side.
Click on Tools.
Click on View Tax Summary.
Click on Preview my 1040 on the left-hand side.
Scroll down to your 1040, Line 12b.

Line 12b is your contribution deduction amount on top of your standard deduction. Considering that amount, is your standard deduction greater than your itemized deductions?

If not, you can force the itemized deductions to be used. To change your election and force the itemized deductions, please follow the steps below:

Open your return.
Click on Tax Tools on the left hand side.
Click on Tools.
Click Topic Search.
Search "itemized deductions, choosing"
Click on Change my deduction.
Choose Itemized Deductions under Which deduction do you want to take this year?

Re: Itemized deduction not working

jonnygarber — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 21:21:25 GMT

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, I have been trying to force change to itemized deductions for the last 2 weeks through the exact directions you shared with me and it does not allow it to change.

On my form 1040 preview, Line 12b is blank. I am sharing a screenshot with my preview. I made $4,656 in donations in 2021. I'm not sure if something should be here. I am attempting to take the itemized deduction, so I assume 12b should be left blank. However, I should say I am married filing jointly, which would mean if I put $600 in line 12b, then it would actually be $25,700 which is higher than my itemized deduction of $25,640.

Does this mean I should put $600 in 12b and switch to standard deduction?

Re: Itemized deduction not working

MarilynG1 — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 21:33:14 GMT

Yes, you can elect to use the Standard Deduction and add the $600 Charitable Contribution under the CARES Act, for a total deduction of $25,700 (Line 12c on Form 1040).

Click this link for info on How to Switch from Standard to Itemized Deductions (or vice versa).

Re: Itemized deduction not working

sdbowe33 — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 01:21:07 GMT

Using the TurboTax Desktop Deluxe product. Software informs me that Itemized deductions are the best for me. However, the Form view , specifically the Form 1040, on line 12a insists on inserting the standard deduction, which is lesser than my itemized amount.

Re: Itemized deduction not working

VolvoGirl — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 01:23:43 GMT

Could you be seeing this error?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-credits-and-deductions/help/why-am-i-not-getting-the-itemized-deduction-when-turbotax-tells-me-it-s-my-best-option/00/2523714

Re: Itemized deduction not working

sandpspies — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 22:30:21 GMT

BUT, when you input the $600, the system defaults to the standard deduction - $25,700, and the refund amount goes down. Do you have to input the $600? Does it matter that more than $600 is already included in my itemized charitable contributions?

Also, the system now shows $25, 700 as the "standard deduction." This could be misleading to some.

Please advise.

Re: Itemized deduction not working

VolvoGirl — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:27:57 GMT

The Standard Deduction on a joint return is 25,100 on line 12a. Then you get the extra 600 on line 12b to make 25,700. Check the actual 1040.

Re: Itemized deduction not working

JamesG1 — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:32:21 GMT

You do not have to report the $600 Federal 1040 line 12b Charitable Cash Contributions under CARES Act.

You do not have to claim the standard deduction if you can qualify to itemize deductions on Schedule A Itemized Deductions.

What values are being reported on lines 12 a, 12b and 12c of your 2021 Federal 1040 tax return? Please clarify.

I believe that you are reporting:

line 12a $25,100
line 12b $600
line 12c $25,700

You may view these entries at Tax Tools / Tools / View Tax Summary / Preview my 1040.

Are you able to not enter the $600 and report itemized deductions on Schedule A Itemized Deductions? Are you receiving an error message of some kind?