Charitable deductions

[repllarkin]

turbotax has selected standard deduction for us for 2020.  My mom passed away and as a result we donated about $4400 in furniture and clothing.  I have receipts - almost all to Goodwill.  does this change our status?  Should be file itemized?

[JoannaB2 · Accepted solution]

It depends.  If your total deductions including the $4,400 you donated equals or over the amount of your standard deduction, then you may itemized.  The software defaults to standard deduction unless your itemized amount exceeds the amount of your standard deduction.

The itemized deduction is reported on Schedule A of 1040 Individual Income Tax.  In 2018, Congress passed into law Tax Cuts and Job Acts that eliminated some of the deductions on Schedule A.  The following are the deductions you could claim :

1. Medical and dental expenses over 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
2. Taxes you paid such as sales and local taxes or income taxes, real estate taxes, & tax liability paid to state.
3. Mortgage interest.
4. Charitable donations.
5. Other itemized deductions.

See link, What is Schedule A, for additional information.

[SweetieJean]

Did you inherit these items? 

[repllarkin]

yes most of the charitable deductions were inherited