How to enter charitable deductions when taking the standard deduction using TurboTax?

[jemcguire]

How to enter charitable deductions when taking the standard deduction using TurboTax?

[xmasbaby0]

If you are using standard deduction there is no reason to enter charitable donations.  They will have no effect on your refund or tax due.   Charity donations are itemized deductions that go on Schedule A.   If you do not have enough itemized deductions like mortgage interest, property tax, etc. to exceed your standard deduction, then entering donations will have no effect.

[mesquitebean]

Or are you in a state that allows itemized deductions for state return purposes?   I think some states may allow a special charitable deduction if total is over a certain amount.  You'd have to see what your state's rules are.

[xmasbaby0]

If you want to enter them:

Federal>Deductions and Credits>Charitable Donations>Donations to Charity

[jemcguire]

Thanks, but IRS allows Standard filers $300 single and $600 joint for charitable contributions per .  Turbo tax doesn't seem to have an option to enter this.

[xmasbaby0]

@jemcguire That tax law changed.   That was only for one specific tax year several years ago.

[jemcguire]

Thanks, that explains it.

[user17715376343]

I hope you figure this out because I have filed my taxes and there was no prompt asking about this deduction. I will have to file adjusted form to claim the $220 Turbo missed ☹️

[DoninGA]

@user17715376343 Entering a cash contribution when using the Standard Deduction is for the 2026 tax returns to be filed next year in 2027.  It is not available on the 2025 tax returns.

[xmasbaby0]

@user17715376343 You are posting to an old thread that has references to a tax law that changed and is no longer in effect for 2025.