California Itemized Deduction

[neworchid]

We itemized deductions for federal, even though we went with federal standard deduction, based on Turbotax info that if we do so, we may be able to itemize deductions for CA.

CA return still used standard as if our itemized  deductions on federal did not make a difference.  We were hoping to include some deductions like charitable contribution and Vehicle License Fees.  Are those not deductible for CA?

Is there a CA deduction worksheet or schedule so that we can see what was transferred from federal?  And compare the total against the CA standard deduction?

[neworchid · Accepted solution]

Found the solution... 

[MarilynG1]

If you're using TurboTax Desktop, in FORMS mode look at your Federal Schedule A.  The same deductions will carry over to your California return and TurboTax uses whichever deduction is larger. 

On the CA Info Worksheet, you can check the box in Part V,  'Calculate CA Itemized Deductions even if Itemized Deductions are less than Standard Deduction' to see how this affects your return.  CA Schedule CA will be generated so you can review the deductions to compare to Federal Schedule A. 

You will see the Standard/Itemized amounts on CA 540, Line 18.  If the amount is the same as your Federal Schedule A, then Itemized Deductions were used for you in CA. 

If you're using TurboTax Online, in the left-side menu, go to Tax Tools > Tools, then 'View Tax Summary' from the pop-up.  Back at the left-side menu, choose 'CA Tax Summary' and look at Line 18. 

@neworchid