Deducting miles for non-profits with Standard deduction

[noviceattax]

This article says that  we cannot take deductions for miles driven along with standard deduction. However, TurboTax has  added miles for a non-profit automatically on my 1040 along with standard deduction. What is this happening?

[ColeenD3]

Where do you see the deduction for mileage? Did you include it as an adjustment on the 1040 as cash donated? Did you enter it on Schedule A and it added the Itemized Deductions to your return?

[Bsch4477]

The link you gave is broken. 

[noviceattax]

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@Bsch4477 wrote:

The link you gave is broken. 

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That is because this tool is editing it. Here it is: https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/taxes/articles/everything-you-need-to-[product key r...

Everything You Need to Know About Claiming a Mileage Tax Deduction | Taxes | US News

[noviceattax]

Thanks @ColeenD3  for the response. It is not from Schedule A. I have standard deduction and the charity contribution has come to line 12b of 1040.

[ColeenD3]

Yes, there is a charitable donation allowance on the 1040 for tax years 2020 and 2021. You can take up to $300 for a single person and $600 for married filing jointly.

[noviceattax]

Thanks @ColeenD3, this explains.

Question1: I read instructions for line 12b. Please see the screenshot, it is about cash expense. This means we can cover miles also. Right? At what rates can we convert miles to cash?

Question2: I realized I have some 2020 expenses also which I could have deducted? Can I take 2020's deduction this year? Will this increase chances of audit? Not sure if I have enough records for 2020 expenses, should I first find them and then only take 2020's deduction?

[Bsch4477]

From the IRS:

Cash contributions include those made by check, credit card or debit card as well as unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses in connection with volunteer services to a qualifying charitable organization.

I would think that gas expense would qualify rather than calculate the IRS mileage deduction which includes depreciation, repairs, etc. in their formula. 

no, donations made in 2020 definitely cannot be deducted on your 2021 return but the 2020 return can be amended. 

[ColeenD3]

The charitable rate for mileage is 14 cents per mile. Yes, that counts as cash.

You can't add anything from 2020 to your 2021 tax return. They are two separate years. If you want to include it, you will have to amend your 2020 return.

Beginning on January 1, 2021, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

• 56 cents per mile driven for business use, down 1.5 cents from the rate for 2020,
• 16 cents per mile driven for medical, or moving purposes for qualified active duty members of the Armed Forces, down 1 cent from the rate for 2020, and
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations, the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2020.