Is anyone else getting an error on 12b of the 1040 (charitable donations)? TurboTax's fix does not work and no amount entered lets me file electronically.

[jp329607]

I manually entered all charitable contributions and TurboTax filled in the 1040 (married filing jointly) 12b line with 300. Error! I tried changing it to 0, another error! Tried 600, which we should be allowed as our donations were over this amount. Still not working. Help!!

[jmhorning]

Yes I'm getting the same error. I saw another post where others were saying they had the same issue from a few weeks ago but doesn't look like its fixed yet. 

[MarilynG1]

If you wish to take the Standard Deduction and claim 600 for the Charitable Contribution Credit, please return to the Deductions & Credits section. 

Scroll down to "Charitable Donations" and DELETE any cash entries you made there. 

The program will ask you for that entry at the END of the FINAL REVIEW. 

You may then enter 600 and it will stick. 

[tyler55]

I'm also getting that error and after I paid!! This sucks!

[DawnC]

Take this step before you go through the e-filing steps.  The wording is different depending on which version you are using, but the steps are the same.   @tyler55

To clear this up in TurboTax and get your deduction recorded on your tax return in the TurboTax Online, do the following.  

1. Click on Federal on the top left side menu.   
2. Then choose Deductions and Credits at the top.   
3. Scroll all the way down and click on Wrap Up Tax Breaks.

You will get some follow-up finalizing questions before you see the message - The Standard Deduction is Right For You!   Continue clicking through those screens, answer the Cares Act Contribution question, and your charitable contribution should then show up on line 12b of your Form 1040, correctly.  

To clear this up in TurboTax and get your deduction recorded on your tax return in the desktop program, do the following.  

1. Click on Personal Income at the top of the desktop software.   
2. Then choose Deductions and Credits.   
3. Pick I'll Choose What I Work On.
4. Scroll all the way down and click on Done with Deductions.

You will get some follow-up finalizing questions before you see the message - The Standard Deduction is Right For You!   Continue clicking through those screens and your charitable contribution should then show up on line 12b of your Form 1040.  

[Deduction Error Desktop Version]

DVD Version.  When I enter all my cash contributions I also get the "unacceptable value" warning $300.  I deleted all my cash contributions and was going to file without deducting the $600.  But TurboTax is still entering $300 on line 12b. TurboTax fails to put the sum of lines 12a and 12b on line 12c.  I have tried all of the work arounds that people post without success.   This is a software problem that needs to be addressed.  

[JohnB5677]

This has worked on the Desktop or DVD version for me. 

First, you must clear all donations from the Deductions & Credits input screen

1. Go to Deductions and Credits

2. Scroll to the bottom of the page

3. Select Done with Deductions

4. Let's check your Deductions .. Continue

5. Here are your 2021 Deductions ... Continue

6. The Standard deduction is right for you ... Continue

7. GET A TAX BREAK FOR DONATING CASH TO CHARITY

8. Enter your amount

[Deduction Error Desktop Version]

Thanks.  That did work for me.  I do not know what I was doing wrong. i have been working on this for days.  I did uninstall and reinstall TurboTax before trying the solution.

[TheRealTax2]

Changing value back to 600 at the error window and then skipping 2nd check worked. I was able to e-file while maintaining the 600 value on the fed 1040. I would advise that you read your state tax form instructions to be sure you're not required to adjust for the 600 deduction if you take this route. My state didn't mention it, unlike last year where the 300 contribution had to be added back on state return. Good luck guys.