After calculating both (1) the state and local income tax deduction and (2) sales tax deduction, the former deduction is larger. TurboTax, however, inputs the smaller one

[llmorr]

I specify that I prefer the state and local income tax deduction, or the larger deduction, but the smaller one (sales tax) is always input

[MaryK4 · Accepted solution]

The "Deductions & Credits" summary page in TurboTax often displays the sales tax amount as a placeholder, even if it is not the deduction actually being used on your return. You can check if the State and Local Income Tax is being used for your deduction by following these steps:

In TurboTax Online, go to Tax Tools > Tools > View Tax Summary > Preview my 1040. Look at Schedule A, Line 5a. If it shows your larger income tax amount, TurboTax is filing correctly.

In TurboTax Desktop, switch to Forms Mode (top right) and open Schedule A. Check if Line 5a (State and local income taxes) is populated with the correct amount.