Deductions

[Rnieland]

For the last several years, I itemized deductions for 14 charities but Turbo Tax always says use standard deduction.   Can I skip entering all these entries which are time consuming?  What is the standard deduction?  It would be helpful if Turbo Tax told me " if you don't have $xxxx dollars of deductions just skip it and take standard deduction".

[AmyC]

You can make one entry of "charity" if it is cash. Here is helpful information:

What's my standard deduction for 2019?

What is Schedule A?

Video How does the Standard Deduction differ from itemizing deductions?

[tsandor42]

My standard deduction is $27,000. How much in charitable donations must I contribute in order to have the charitable deductions count as a deduction.

The "Expert Alumni" who responded to this question did not give a suitable response. 

[Critter]

$27,001

[VolvoGirl]

All your itemized deductions (including Donations) have to be more than the standard deduction to get any benefit (so you would only be getting the benefit of the amount that puts you over the standard deduction).  And since the Standard Deduction is increased more people will not need to Itemize.

For 2019 the Standard Deduction is

Single 12,200 + 1,650 for 65 and over or blind

HOH 18,350 + 1,650for 65 and over or blind

Joint 24,400+ 1,300 for each 65 and over or blind

Married filing Separate 12,200 + 1,300 for 65 and over or blind

And If you are able to itemize you just get a percentage of your deductions back. Like if you are in the 25% tax bracket for a $100 deduction you will save $25. It isn't added on to your refund. Deductions reduce your income so you get taxed on a lower amount.