I have deductions for charity, mortgage interest (primary home), real estate taxes, and state taxes that total $32,159. TurboTax defaults to the standard deduction. Why??

[SummerSunshine2026]

Last year it allowed me to itemize. Why not this year? All similar amounts.

[Critter-3]

The program will default to the standard deduction for 4 reasons:

1) you are filing separately and your spouse uses the standard deduction

2) the standard deduction is higher

3) you forced the standard deduction option

4) using the standard deduction will get you the same bottom line on the return as the itemized deduction

How do I change from the standard deduction to itemized (or vice-versa)?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900142-how-do-i-change-from-the-standard-deduction-to-itemized-or...

[SteamTrain]

State taxes PLUS Real estate taxes are limited to $10,000 Maximum

SO

What is $10,000 + Charity $ + Morgage interest = ???

[SummerSunshine2026]

Thanks for your reply.

Charity $1200

Mortgage interest $13,225

State taxes 9285

Real estate taxes 8449 

So even if it's $10K due to the SALT limitation, that's still a little over $25K, which is more than the $19,400 standard deduction. I've gone back multiple times and ensured I didn't click anything wrong. And from the very beginning, I said I would itemize. Exact same situation last year with almost same figures and I itemized.

[SteamTrain]

I see 24,425

So...you are not filing MFJ ?   SD for that is $25,900

______________________

HOH for unmarried person with a dependent, that is the SD of $19,400

[Critter-3]

@SummerSunshine2026 

Ok ... so now it is back to the last bullet point ... did you check and see if the standard gets you the same bottom line on the return as the itemized deduction ?    If so the program is saving you from having to add part or all of your state taxes as income next year since that is what happens when you itemize.   

How do I change from the standard deduction to itemized (or vice-versa)?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900142-how-do-i-change-from-the-standard-deduction-to-itemized-or...

[SummerSunshine2026]

Correct. I'm filing Head of Household.

[SummerSunshine2026]

When I switch it to do itemized, it is NOT reflecting the $13,225 in mortgage interest. It reflects something like $11K.

[SharonD007]

If you are renting out part of your home or have a home office, a portion of your mortgage interest would be allocated to your rental expenses on your Schedule E, or your Home Office expenses on your Form 8829.

[Critter-3]

A portion of the RE taxes would also be allocated to the OIH or rental ... so you will get the standard deduction +  a portion of the expenses on the Sch E and/or Sch C. 

[SummerSunshine2026]

There is nothing like that. It is a glitch where the mortgage interest is not being recognized. It's not a tax law issue or procedural issue. it's a glitch in the software. Hoping someone from TurboTax actually reads this and helps!

[AnnetteB6]

It would be helpful for us to try to clarify what is happening in your return if you would be willing to provide us with a diagnostic copy of your tax file.  The diagnostic file will not contain personally identifiable information, only numbers related to your tax forms.  To do so, follow the instructions below and post the token number along with which version of TurboTax you are using in a follow-up thread.

Use these steps if you are using TurboTax Online:

• Sign in to your account and be sure you are in your tax return.
• Select Tax Tools in the menu to the left.
• Select Tools.
• Select Share my file with agent.
• A pop-up message will appear, select OK to send the sanitized diagnostic copy to us.
• Post the token number here. 

If you are using a CD/downloaded version of TurboTax, use these steps:

• Select Online at the top of the screen.
• Select Send Tax File to Agent.
• Click OK.
• Post the token number here.

@SummerSunshine2026