I entered my charitable contributions into a schedule A , but that for was not saved. Can someone explain why?
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@JB_tax_man Are you asking why online software does not have forms mode so that you could look at all of the forms and schedules as you prepare your return? If you could do that, there would be users who would just use the software, re-copy the information onto a paper Form 1040, etc. and never pay TurboTax. With desktop software, you pay for the software upfront before you use it----so you have Forms mode with that version of the software.
With online, you can preview your Form 1040, but to see any of the schedules like Schedule A, you have to pay your fees.
PREVIEW 1040
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing
Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.
"I entered my charitable contributions into a schedule A"
Exactly how did you enter the contributions? You cannot enter contributions directly on Schedule A. If you are using forms mode you have to enter the contributions on a Charitable Organization Worksheet. Or you can enter the contributions using the Step-by-Step interview.
Are you using the downloaded desktop TurboTax software installed on your computer or the web-based TurboTax Online?
Even after you enter charitable contributions, Schedule A will not appear in your tax return unless your total itemized deductions are more than your standard deduction. In the desktop TurboTax software you can open Schedule A in forms mode even if it's not included in your tax return. The contributions that you entered will be there.
If you do not have enough deductions to itemize, then your donations will not affect your refund or tax due. You will just receive the standard deduction.
A charitable donation almost never changes your tax due or refund all by itself. First, your donation does not count "dollar for dollar"--it is calculated by a percentage based on your tax bracket. You need a LOT of other itemized deductions like mortgage interest or property taxes, medical expense, etc. to itemize and exceed your standard deduction.
Your itemized deductions have to be more than your standard deduction before you will see a change in your tax owed or tax refund. The deductions you enter do not necessarily count “dollar for dollar;” many of them are subject to meeting tough thresholds—medical expenses, for example, must meet a threshold that is pretty hard to reach. (Only the amount that is MORE than 7.5% of your AGI counts) The software program uses all the IRS rules that apply to the expenses you enter, and it tells you if you have enough to use your itemized deductions or if using the standard deduction is more advantageous for you. Under the new tax laws, some deductions have been capped—there is a $10,000 limit to the itemized deductions for state, local, property and sales taxes.
Your standard deduction lowers your taxable income. The standard deduction makes some of your income “tax free.” It is not a refund. You will see your standard or itemized deduction amount on line 12 of your 2024 Form 1040.
2024 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS
SINGLE $14,600 (65 or older/legally blind + $1950)
MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $14,600 (65 or older/legally blind + $1550)
MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $29,200 (65 or older/legally blind + $1550)
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $21,900 (65 or older/legally blind + $1950)
hi there and thanks for the response; I use web-based TurboTax Online.
As for which method I used: "Charitable Organization Worksheet", or step by step interview..... I'm not sure, I can't review my contribution entries now. I was hoping to review it to make final 2024 contributions.
"Schedule A will not appear in your tax return unless your total itemized deductions are more than your standard deduction" this is likely the case.
Unclear to me why the downloaded app. and the online experience are different.
I might use the desktop version or I might look elsewhere for a new tax app. I'm not happy with the navigation of the product.
Desktop software has Forms mode so you can see the forms as you work; online does not have forms mode, so you cannot look at forms or schedules as you work.
thanks you for the response. is there a reason for this? "online does not have forms mode, so you cannot look at forms or schedules as you work."
shouldn't the user experience be the same?
@JB_tax_man Are you asking why online software does not have forms mode so that you could look at all of the forms and schedules as you prepare your return? If you could do that, there would be users who would just use the software, re-copy the information onto a paper Form 1040, etc. and never pay TurboTax. With desktop software, you pay for the software upfront before you use it----so you have Forms mode with that version of the software.
With online, you can preview your Form 1040, but to see any of the schedules like Schedule A, you have to pay your fees.
PREVIEW 1040
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing
Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.
Thanks for the response.
"Are you asking why online software does not have forms mode so that you could look at all of the forms and schedules as you prepare your return? " Yes. As I prepare my return and reference my return afterwards.
I'll assume I can't see my Schedule A today, even though I paid for 2023 online version early this year.
If I want to use the forms then I should pay for and use the downloadable version, correct?
@JB_tax_man Yes---if you want access to the forms as you work on your return, you should use the desktop download that has Forms mode instead of online software.
Basically yes. For online you only get the forms by paying the fees. You can pay early before you file. Then to see the forms you have to preview your return and download the pfd. You can’t see the actual form as you work.
The Online web version is only good for one account and one return. You can log in and access your return from any computer. You only can see the forms after you pay and download the pdf. And you might need to upgrade to a higher version to enter different kinds of income. There are 3 Online versions. And you can add LIVE service or Full Service for expert help. In Online the fees are to prepare the federal and state returns (State is a separate charge) whether you efile or print and mail. Efiling is free and included.
The Desktop program you buy and install from a download, which can do unlimited returns. The returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efile for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20 early or $25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free. The Desktop programs do not have the expert help that is available to add to Online versions.
Desktop also has many other features and advantages over the Online version. You can do more than 1 return. You can see and enter into the actual forms. It has a What-If worksheet. And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms. You just get more help in the higher versions. In online you have to upgrade to enter certain kinds of income. Like Premium for investments.
And the Desktop program is always available even after the year ends. Which is good if you ever need to amend your return after online website is closed or get audited and need your tax records.
You can buy the Desktop CD/Download program here,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/
thank you. yea, this is what I probably need. "And the Desktop program is always available even after the year ends. Which is good if you ever need to amend your return after online website is closed or get audited and need your tax records."
Live Tax Advice is now available with the desktop TurboTax software.
What is TurboTax Desktop Live Tax Advice?
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