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Level 1
posted Apr 1, 2023 10:27:06 PM

Charitable contributions not getting applied to state return

I am taking standard deductions on federal returns but want to take itemized deductions on California return. I entered the donations during federal steps but they are not getting transferred to the state return. It doesn't change my state taxes if I add or remove the donations. I am using turbotax online. How do I enter the charitable contributions to California return? How do I see the comparison between standard and itemized deductions for California return?

 

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2 Replies
Expert Alumni
Apr 2, 2023 5:56:04 AM

Use TurboTax CD/Download to enter charitable contributions directly into the California section.

 

There is no option in TurboTax Online to enter itemized deductions directly on the California section. All deductions entered in Federal are carried to California. TurboTax automatically gives you the higher of the California standard deduction or itemized deductions, regardless of what deduction you used on your federal return.

 

If your refund did not change after you entered your charitable contributions, it means the California standard deduction is still giving you a better tax result.

 

To view your forms in TurboTax Online:
 

  1. Tap Tax Tools in the left column
  2. Select Print Center. Once you pay you can view your forms

You can compare California Schedule A with and without your charitable contributions by printing your return twice.

 

TurboTax CD/Download allows you to view forms in the Forms mode.

 

To enter charitable contributions directly onto California:

 

  1. Transfer your return to CD/Download. See How do I switch from TurboTax Online to TurboTax CD/Download?
  2. Once your return is installed, top Forms in the top right corner
  3. In the left column, find Schedule A under California Individual and tap to open
  4. Enter a non-cash gift in Box 12. 
  5. If are making a cash donation, highlight Box 11 and right-click and select override or type CTRL+D on your keyboard. Enter you donation. An override will prevent you from e-filing your California state return and voids the 100% Accurate Calculation Guarantee.
  6. Tap Step-by-Step where Forms used to be to return to the interview mode.

Level 1
Apr 2, 2023 9:41:20 AM

Thanks for your response! I am sure that itemized deduction will give me better result as I have calculated it separately and confirmed. Online tax tool doesn't let me view the forms until I pay first. However, if I pay then I won't be able to switch to CD/Download option to fix the issue. Is there absolutely no way to fix it in the online version? Wonder why can't they show the comparison just like they do for the fed return.

 

FWIW, I had noticed the same issue last year as well. However, the difference between standard and itemized deductions was not significant, so I let it continue with the standard deductions last year. Difference is significant this year so I do want to go with the itemized deductions this time.