topic why does 2024 Turbo Tax add my charitable contributions to my standard deduction in Deductions & credits

why does 2024 Turbo Tax add my charitable contributions to my standard deduction

jblaser129 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:52:37 GMT

Re: why does 2024 Turbo Tax add my charitable contributions to my standard deduction

xmasbaby0 — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:38:58 GMT

What are you seeing that makes you think charity donations are being added to your standard deduction? Your standard deduction is shown on line 12 of your Form 1040. If you have entered enough itemized deductions--including charity donations-- to exceed your standard deduction, then the amount on line 12 will show your itemized deduction amount.

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 tax laws that have been in effect since 2018, some deductions have been capped—there is a $10,000 limit to the itemized deductions for state, local, property and sales taxes.

The standard deduction makes some of your income “tax free.” It is not a refund. You will see your standard or itemized deduction amount on line 12 of your 2024 Form 1040.

2024 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

SINGLE $14,600 (65 or older/legally blind + $1950)

MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $14,600 (65 or older/legally blind + $1550)

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $29,200 (65 or older/legally blind + $1550)

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $21,900 (65 or older/legally blind + $1950)

Re: why does 2024 Turbo Tax add my charitable contributions to my standard deduction

jblaser129 — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:47:37 GMT

My itemized deductions were capped well below the standard deduction. Despite that, my charitable contributions were added to my standard deduction. I did not think I could take charitable deductions if my itemized deductions after caps did not exceed my standard deduction.

Re: why does 2024 Turbo Tax add my charitable contributions to my standard deduction

xmasbaby0 — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:50:11 GMT

@jblaser129 What is your filing status? Are you or your spouse 65 or older? What is on line 12 of your Form 1040?

Re: why does 2024 Turbo Tax add my charitable contributions to my standard deduction

jblaser129 — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:11:55 GMT

Married filing jointly both over 65. $32,200.

Re: why does 2024 Turbo Tax add my charitable contributions to my standard deduction

xmasbaby0 — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:32:51 GMT

Donations are not being added to your standard deduction. You forgot that since you are both 65 or older, that there is $1550 per spouse added to the married filing jointly standard deduction for 2024. Standard deduction for a joint return is $29,200 + $1550 for each spouse who is 65 or older. You should be seeing $32,300 on line 12.

Re: why does 2024 Turbo Tax add my charitable contributions to my standard deduction

jblaser129 — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 17:50:46 GMT

Thank you. I did miss that. Makes sense now. Have a great day.