I was told this year there is a one time deduction of $24,000 you can enter rather than entering charitable deductions. Is this correct?

[VolvoGirl]

Yes the new Standard Deduction is 24,000 for Joint.  You get to take either the Standard Deduction or all your itemized deductions whichever is more.  Everyone gets a Standard Deduction.

This year the Standard Deduction will be doubling so many people will be switching to the Standard Deduction.  And there is a max 10,000 limit of State, local, property, and sales tax (SALT) deduction.  And you can only deduct Medical/Dental that's over 7.5% of your AGI.  And W2 job expenses have been suspended.

FAQ on 2018 changes
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4482394-how-will-tax-reform-affect-my-2018-federal-tax-return

For 2018 the standard deduction amounts are:
Single 12,000 + 1,600 for 65 and over or blind
HOH 18,000 + 1,600 for 65 and over or blind
Joint 24,000+ 1,300 for each 65 and over or blind
Married filing Separate 12,000 + 1,300 for 65 and over or blind

[SweetieJean]

This is in lieu of all of your deductions (not just charitable).