topic I have 26,200 in deductions but turbo tax is making me take the standard deduction in Deductions & credits

I have 26,200 in deductions but turbo tax is making me take the standard deduction

parkerkath — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:03:33 GMT

Re: I have 26,200 in deductions but turbo tax is making me take the standard deduction

xmasbaby0 — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 16:50:31 GMT

Are you making the common mistake of just adding up all the amounts for your itemized deductions without considering the caps and thresholds that must be met?

STANDARD DEDUCTION

Many taxpayers are surprised because their itemized deductions are not having the same effect as they did on past tax returns. The new higher standard deduction and the elimination of certain deductions, as well as the cap on state and local taxes have had a major impact since the new tax laws went into effect beginning with 2018 returns.

Your itemized deductions have to be more than your standard deduction before you will see a change in your tax owed or tax refund. The deductions you enter do not necessarily count “dollar for dollar;” many of them are subject to meeting tough thresholds—medical expenses, for example, must meet a threshold that is pretty hard to reach. (Only the amount that is MORE than 7.5% of your AGI counts) The software program uses all the IRS rules that apply to the expenses you enter, and it tells you if you have enough to use your itemized deductions or if using the standard deduction is more advantageous for you. Under the new tax laws, some deductions have been capped—there is a $10,000 limit to the itemized deductions for state, local, property and sales taxes.

Your standard deduction lowers your taxable income. It is not a refund. You will see your standard or itemized deduction amount on line 12 of your 2022 Form 1040.

2022 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

SINGLE $12,950 (65 or older + $1750)

MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $12,950 (65 or older + $1750)

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $25,900 (65 or older + $1400 per spouse)

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $19,400 (65 or older +$1750)

Legally Blind + $1750

Re: I have 26,200 in deductions but turbo tax is making me take the standard deduction

VolvoGirl — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 16:52:26 GMT

If it's giving you the Standard Deduction and not showing you Schedule A you can check the actual amount of itemized deductions by using by going to

Tax Tools on left

Tools - Topic Search (top left box)

Type in itemized deductions, choosing. It should highlight that in the list, click on GO

Then Click on "Change my deduction". That will display the actual amount of itemized deductions vs. the standard deduction. (Be sure to uncheck "Change my deduction" after checking it so you do not lock in the wrong deduction.

How to change between the Standard Deduction and Itemized Deductions

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/accessing/help/how-do-i-change-from-the-standard-deduction-to-itemized-or-vice-versa/00/25831

Deductions that have been suspended for 2018-2025

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-reform/help/which-federal-tax-deductions-have-been-suspended-by-tax-reform/00/25565