Itemized Deduction is not working

[ppedlikin]

TurboTax has clearly indicated that I should use the Itemized deduction (I am currently about 500 dollars above the standard deduction and have not entered most of charitable donations).  However, the calculation of my taxes has not changed as I add more deductions, and the Form 1040 that I double checked in the Forms section clearly shows the Standard Deduction number.  How do I fix this?  If I keep adding more deductions (I have several thousand to go), is it going to finally figure it out and switch to the right numbers?

I appreciate any guidance here.

[VolvoGirl]

It could be the Standard Deduction plus the 300/600 extra for charity is more.   

If it's giving you the Standard Deduction and  not showing you Schedule A you can check the actual amount of itemized deductions by using by going to

Tax Tools on left

Tools - Topic Search (top left box)

Type in  itemized deductions, choosing.  It should highlight that in the list, click on GO

Then Click on "Change my deduction". That will display the actual amount of itemized deductions vs. the standard deduction.    (Be sure to uncheck "Change my deduction" after checking it so you do not lock in the wrong deduction.

How to change between the Standard Deduction and Itemized Deductions

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/accessing/help/how-do-i-change-from-the-standard-deduction-to-item...

oh, are you using the Desktop program?   You can open Schedule A.  If it's not in the list click on Open Form at the top and find it in the US listing on the right.

[ppedlikin]

The itemized line on Schedule A currently shows, $25,532 and the line on the 1040 says 25,100.  So they don't match, and not in my favor!  Any other suggestions?

[ppedlikin]

Or is that because I am married filing jointly and it would 25,700 as a result (with the 300 for charitable contributions for each of us)?

[DMarkM1]

You are correct.  The standard deduction (25,100) plus the charitable contribution of 600 gives you a better result than an itemized schedule A amount of 25,532.  Your 1040 line 12c should show 25,700.