TurboTax reduces amount of cash charitable contributions (1040 Line 12b)

[BREAKS007]

Yes, consistently happened to me also, but, I simply went back to the deductions section and "deleted" our charitable contributions completely since we used the standard deduction.

The system gets confused since you have one of two options when filing...1. Standard deduction or 2. Having enough deductions to file Schedule A?  In 2021, a joint filing for married people can deduct up to the $600.00 max, but the TurboTax program still seems to think it is $300.00 max, which it is for individual filings.

I had the contributions listed separately in the "deductions" section while also electing standard deduction but you can't do both I learned.  After deleting the contributions, then you can go back and correct line 12b with your actual amount and it remained in place.

[AbilitySys]

That gets the Federal tax return completed, but if your state (like mine, Oregon) allows you to deduct charitable contributions even if you don't itemize then TT will not give you the most accurate number for your state return if you delete all the charitable contributions as you describe.

The better workaround in this case is to enter "money" contributions as "item" contributions with a value of the money contributed. 

[tb05]

Yes!!!, problem just fixed. Experiencing the same problem as many other with Line 12b. My Connecticut tax return was updated through TT and problem has now been solved. I can't speak to all the other states but rest assured help is on the way! Good luck to all.

[ajs]

Please wade through the many comments earlier in this thread for more information before you cheat by calling your cash donations, item donations. The best workaround seems to be to let the bug manifest during federal review, then go into forms mode and change 1040 line 12b back from 300 to 600, and don't repeat the review (or make the fix again if you do). This worked for us all the way through e-filing, with state contributions deduction still working properly.

[Galaxy_Guy]

This thread is likely confusing users and needs to be updated -- and corrected ASAP

1.  It didn't establish which version of TurboTax was being discussed.

2.  TurboTax Deluxe, at least, enters the $600 properly.  This is as of February 20, 2021.

Intuit needs to fix this -- with the "expert" advice corrected.  Otherwise, lots of users will go down deep, labyrinthine rabbit holes -- and increase their anxiety.

At least in TT D, there is nothing special to do.  Just enter your charitable contributions as usual and the program will take of everything.

Hope that my message can be put at the top of the thread -- or, that Intuit folks update their response!

[ken3232444]

It seems to be fixed now!

I'm using the CD version 

    TurboTax Premier 2021

    WinPerRelease  version 021   000   0461  

I re-stepped through the deductions section and now 

   Federal form 1040 line 12b has the full deduction.

   State (California) form CA (540) Part II line 11 has the full deduction.

Please confirm if you are seeing the same.

[taxpayerincolorado]

Unfortunately, as of 2/21/22 - Turbo Tax Deluxe CD version hasn't been updated, it appears. I'm still getting the error. Lucky you!

[taxpayerincolorado]

Are you using the CD or online version of Deluxe? I just went to my CD version and it's not updating the field.

[Galaxy_Guy]

Neither CD or online!

It's the downloaded version to the computer.

Have you installed TurboTax onto your computer rather than run it from the CD?  If so, when you launch the program, it should download updates.

If that doesn't work, I'd recommend contacting Intuit support and asking for help.  They should explain how to update the version you have.

Hope that helps.  Now, if only TurboTax would fix its incorrect entry of state refunds!  Every year, it shows an incorrect amount and I have to manually override it.  It's weird because last year's TT will show amount X, we received amount X, but this year's TT, after importing last year's data, shows a different figure.  Has happened every year.