why does turbo tax deluxe revert my deductions to standard when I change it to itemize? it temporarily changes the numbers (as seen on 1040) but then reverts back at end

[smooner]

i can clearly see that my itemized deduction is greater than standard. also the itemized deduction reduces my taxable income. however for some reason it says i will owe the same amount of taxes regardless of what i choose.

[CatinaT1]

Sounds like something got stuck. You can try these things:

• Log Out Completely: Before doing anything else, click Sign Out in the TurboTax menu.
• Clear Cache and Cookies: This removes old, "corrupted" data that might be confusing the website.
• Use an Incognito (Private) Window: This is the most effective "quick fix" because it launches the browser without any saved history or extensions (like AdBlockers) that often interfere with tax forms.
• Check Pop-up Blockers: TurboTax often opens forms (like the 1099 PDF) or payment windows in a separate pop-up. Look at the right side of your address bar for a small icon with a "red X"—click it and select "Always allow pop-ups from Intuit."
• Restart the Browser: Close all open windows of your browser entirely and then reopen it.

Most TurboTax errors happen because the browser is trying to use an old "session" from a previous visit. By clearing the cache or using Incognito mode, you force the browser to establish a brand-new, secure connection with the Intuit servers.

[smooner]

Thank you for your reply. This would probably work if I was using the online version however I am using the desktop version. I tried restarting completely and it seems to have the same end result. And it doesn’t make sense to me because when I look at the numbers at the very least my taxable income changes. 

[MarilynG1]

It could be that the interview screens are off in this section, but your tax return is reflecting the correct amounts.  In FORMS, look at Line 12e on Form 1040, to verify that that the itemized amount is actually being used, and check that the taxable income amount on Line 15 is correct. 

@smooner 

[smooner]

I have been flipping back and forth and strangely when I force TurboTax to itemize, at first the numbers (deduction and taxable income) change. But when I review the entire refund the numbers revert to standard and taxable income changes back. 
If my federal tax due is the same in both scenarios should I assume that I should just stick to standard? Or could it be a glitch in the software? 

[MarilynG1]

If you choose Itemized Deductions and you have no other errors in your return, you could skip the final Review and go directly to File.  If your tax due is the same either way, it may not make a difference in this year's return.  For the record, however, you may want to file with your Itemized deductions filled in on your return, as you entered them, to carry over for next year. 

TurboTax generally defaults to the Standard Deduction when tax liability is identical because it simplifies tax filing and lowers audit risk with the IRS, as itemized deductions require supporting documentation. If both methods produce the same tax due, the Standard Deduction is preferred for simplicity, unless you are filing Married Filing Separately, where a spouse's choices might necessitate itemizing.

@smooner 

[smooner]

Thank you! This worked!