Cannot change to itemized deductions

[lauraplustwo]

I have the deluxe (download/windows) edition.  Entered all my deductions, etc, and TurboTax said "we've chosen itemized deductions for you" (itemized total was $1000+ more than standard deduction), but on the summary and actual form, it shows the standard deduction.  I've tried to go back and specifically say I want the itemized, but that doesn't work.  And the form itself won't allow me to override the deduction amount box.  What to do? 

[xmasbaby0]

Are you filing married filing separately?   If you are filing MFS you are forced to file the same way your spouse files----if spouse used itemizing you have to itemize.   If spouse is using standard deduction you have to use standard deduction too.

[lauraplustwo]

no--single head of household

[GeorgeM777]

For 2021, the standard deduction for a filing status of Head of Household is $18,800.  You indicated that your itemized expenses are more than $1,000 over that standard deduction amount, and therefore, assuming your itemized deductions are deductions you can properly claim, you should be getting the itemized deduction amount rather than the standard deduction.  Have you checked to see that all of your Schedule A items have been entered in the correct amounts?  

Because you have the TurboTax Deluxe download version, you can click on Forms (upper right side of your page) and review your Schedule A form (left side of the screen lists all of your current forms) and compare the total number on the Schedule A with the standard deduction for Head of Household.  Lastly, complete your return, and include any follow-up information if the deduction amount is not correct.  If you post any follow-up information, do not include in your post any personal identifiable information.  

[Carl]

Be aware that there are limits on some itemized deductions. For example, the maximum for SALT (State & Local Taxes) is $10,000.  There's also a limit that can affect the amount of mortgage interest you can deduct.

[dclaar2022]

I have the same problem. Schedule A shows larger amount than Standard Deduction but TurboTax is selecting Standard Deduction

[lauraplustwo]

I never found a way to correct it. When I looked at the end result number my refund was only around $10-20 more with the itemized, so I honestly just decided it wasn’t worth my time to figure it out!  Hope you can make it work! 

[AliciaP1]

Depending on your filing status and if, in your itemized deductions, you are reporting cash charitable contributions, the standard deduction plus this additional deduction may actually be higher than your itemized deductions.  

If you made cash charitable contributions in 2021 and take the standard deduction, you are eligible for a $300 (filing single) or $600 (filing married filing jointly) deduction on top of the standard deduction.

See Cash Charitable Contribution for more specific information about the deduction for 2021.

[jw9972]

There is a bug in the summary check that defaults to $300 and not $600 for married filing jointly.  I would like a notification as to when this is fixed. 

[JamesG1]

Are you using a desktop version of TurboTax?  You may be able to edit line 12b of the Federal 1040 and/or the 1040 worksheet under the Forms tab.

In TurboTax Desktop version, follow these steps to enter the Federal 1040 line 12b Charitable Cash Contributions under CARES Act. 

• Go to Forms mode and delete the incorrect entry for line 12b on the 1040 Worksheet.
• Return to Step-by-Step and click on Federal Taxes / Deductions & Credits / I'll Choose what I work on but do not enter the charitable donation.
• Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Done with Deductions.
• You will see the screen The Standard Deduction is right for you!  Click Continue.
• At the screen titled Getting a tax break for donating cash to charity, make sure that the box contains the amount of the deduction for which you qualify.  Click Continue.
• At Other Tax Situations, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Done with Other.
• Continue through Federal Review and Smart Check. 

Go to Forms to view the Federal 1040 line 12b for the charitable deduction.