Tax Year Prior to 2020: Standard deduction

[lovebug7724]

what does it mean?  am I paying $12,200? or am I getting $12,200??

[DoninGA]

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@lovebug7724 wrote:

what does it mean?  am I paying $12,200? or am I getting $12,200??

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Neither.  It means the first $12,200 of your income is not taxed as taxable income on your 2019 federal tax return.

[VolvoGirl]

The Standard Deduction is a good thing.  You get to subtract either the Standard Deduction or all your Itemized Deductions whichever is more.  It is subtracted off your income before the tax is calculated so you get taxed on a lower amount.  Which means the first 12,200 Single or 24,400 Joint of your income is not taxed and is tax free.

[pi314159]

When you click on "I don't know whether I took the standard deduction in 2019 or itemized deductions in 2019"  it takes you to a page that says what the standard deductions were for that year:

Did I Itemize Deductions?

"If you're not sure whether or not you itemized deductions last year, take a look at Form 1040, line 9 on your last year's tax return.

The standard deduction amounts are:
- $12,200 for Single or Married Filing Separately
- $24,400 for Married Filing Jointly or Qualifying Widow(er)
- $18,350 for Head of Household

If you have an amount on line 9 that is different than the standard deduction amount for your filing status, then select I itemized my deductions."

I think those figures are wrong, maybe they are for 2018.  I think that because the Standard Deduction Chart on the bottom of 1040 Schedule A for 2019 has different numbers.   I took the standard deduction 27,000 for married filing jointly for 2019.

[VolvoGirl]

Are you just reporting that they may be wrong?  Because they are right.  You and your spouse must be both over 65?

For 2019 the standard deduction amounts are:

Single 12,200 + 1,650 for 65 and over or blind (13,850)

HOH 18,350 + 1,650 for 65 and over or blind

Joint 24,400+ 1,300 for each 65 and over or blind

Married filing Separate 12,200 + 1,300 for 65 and over or blind

[pi314159]

I'm sorry, you are right; if you add the 24,400  plus (2 x 1300)  it is 27000.   My mistake.  But when I clicked on "I don;t know whether I took the standard deduction or itemized" in Turbo Tax, I didn't see that   I tried to go back to check that page but I couldn't find it again.

[pi314159]

Actually, I see that I copied the "I don't know" page in my first message and it doesn't show the 1,300 per person for being over 65.  So it's incomplete.

[rosemaryostephens]

Two years ago I selected the Standard  Deduction  of $12,000. How do I make that choice this year?

[macuser_22]

The standard deduction is automatic if you do not have more itemized deductions.

[382527593acz]

I cannot seem to access Wrap up tax breaks.  It insists that I start itemizing!!!!!!!!  Is there another way to approach wrap up tax breaks.  Or do I lie and check no on each deduction.  I DO NOT WANT TO DO THIS!!  All I want to do IS TAKE THE STANDARD DEDUCTION AND THE PROGRAM WON'T LET ME.  HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SamS1]

Yes, you will need to indicate in TurboTax if you have the deduction listed.  TurboTax is trying to determine if you need to itemize your deductions.  Some states allow itemized deductions even if you don't itemize on the Federal return.  Continue through the questions and when you are finished, it will select standard deduction.

[VolvoGirl]

TurboTax will let you skip Deductions & Creditsand file with the standard deduction. To do this, say no or $0 whenever TurboTax asks a question about deductions.

• After you Wrap up Income, TurboTax will ask if you were affected by natural disasters or bought or sold cryptocurrency. Say No.
• Next you will see OK, let’s do a quick check for tax breaks. Click Let’s Get Started.
• On Let's save some time - and still get your biggest deduction, click Ok, let’s confirm this.
• Answer Noor $0to all the tiles asking about deductions.
• On Based on what you just told us, the Standard Deduction is best for you, TurboTax will show a larger standard deduction. Click OK, sounds good.
• Answer all the next set of questions, No I didn’t.
• On Great! We've got your tax breaks covered, click Wrap up tax breaksand go to Other Tax Situations.

[suzannedistefano]

how do I change to standard deduction on my NY state return

[DaveF1006]

The program will not allow you to change to a standard deduction if you itemize in the federal return unless the standard deduction gives you a better return.  Rather, the program will allow you to take the standard deduction in your federal return and allow you to itemize in your New York State tax return. In fact, Turbo Tax will do this automatically in the program if your NYS itemized amount is better than your NYS standard deduction.

[RB692]

where do i change back to standard deduction