I owe the fewer taxes when I itemize my deductions. But, when I try to choose this option, it doesn't update and it still assumes I am using the standard deduction.

[krismitch]

I clicked on "change my deduction" but it SAYS that I am using the itemized deduction, but it does not actually update the taxes due at the top of the page nor in the summary when I wrap up federal taxes.

[Vanessa A]

Look at line 12a of your 1040 form to check to see if you are getting the standard or itemized deduction. The numbers at the top of the page can occasionally get stuck from screen to screen if you make changes too many times, so you may not be seeing what is actually being reported on your return. 

Usually, if TurboTax is giving you the standard deduction over your itemized deductions, it is because the standard deduction is greater than your itemized deductions. You can see your refund amount on line 34 or your tax due on line 37 of your 1040.

 You can see the updated amount using forms mode in TurboTax Desktop or if you are using TurboTax online by clicking the following:

• Tax Tools
• Tools
• View Tax Summary
• Preview My 1040

[krismitch]

Thanks. The monetary donations I made weren't added consistently within the program. The way the deductions were calculated added my total monetary donations to the standard deduction, but that was not shown on the page where you choose "itemized" vs "standard." The (itemized) total was higher than the (standard deduction) alone which is what I was shown on that page. However, the (itemized) total was lower than the (standard + monetary donations), which is how the program was actually calculating the numbers and choosing which scenario to use.