The software is asking my input a number on my 1040/1040Sr Wks: Charitable contributions box 10b, I have no idea what number is correct. Why doesn't the software know?!

[tscott1]

I have a number in box 10a (which apparently comes from Schedule 1, line 22) and then another number that is my total charitable contributions (larger than what is in box 10a)  and then 10b is left open.

It says I should enter the smaller of these cash contributions made or $300 if filing jointly and if we take the standard deduction (which is what the software is telling me to take). I assume I take the smaller number between what is on line 10a rather than my total charitable contributions in box 10b or am I supposed to put $300 in box 10b?

Why in the world doesn't the software just input the correct number??

My line 10a is $X,YYY and my total charitable contributions is $XX,YYY so putting only $300 in box 10b (which I assume the number in that box is the most I can deduct if I am taking the standard deduction) seems like a rip off for tax deductions purposes if that's the case.

Also if it's truly that simple, why does the software even ask me to input the number myself... why doesn't it just autofill the correct number (since I obviously don't know the tax law that well and there is obviously a correct number)?? Frustrating. Any help/guidance will be appreciated.

Thank you!

[RayW7]

For 2020, you are allowed to deduct up to $300 ($150 if Married filing Separately) of cash donations to 501(c)3 organizations even if you do not itemize your deductions.

Follow these instructions in order to take this above-the-line deduction, enter your donation(s) under Deductions & Credits > Charitable Donations > Donations to Charities in 2020.  The deduction will automatically be added above-the-line by TurboTax after you have completed the Wrap up tax breaks interview in TurboTax if you take the Standard deduction.

On your form 1040, this deduction appears on line 10b - Charitable contributions if you take the standard deduction.

[bklaver]

I followed your steps and the deduction was not automatically added up and results in an error.

[MaryM428]

$300 is the maximum cash donation that you can claim wtih standard deduction.  The software is taking $300 of your donation and applying it to your taxes even though you took the standard deduction and would not get any of your donation.  You can opt to not take any of the $300 or to take only a portion of it.  Most taxpayers are taking the $300.  The correct number is the amount of cash you actually gave if you take itemized or $300 or less if you take standard.