How are deductions calculated?

[xmasbaby0]

STANDARD DEDUCTION

Many taxpayers are surprised because their itemized deductions are not having the same effect as they did on past tax returns.  The new higher standard deduction and the elimination of certain deductions, as well as the cap on state and local taxes have had a major impact since the new tax laws went into effect beginning with 2018 returns.

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.  It is not a refund.  You will see your standard or itemized deduction amount on line 12 of your 2022 Form 1040.

2022 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

SINGLE $12,950  (65 or older + $1750)

MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $12,950  (65 or older + $1750)

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $25,900  (65 or older + $1400 per spouse)

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD  $19,400  (65 or older +$1750)

Legally Blind + $1750

[VolvoGirl]

What deductions?  

TurboTax starts off using the Standard deduction, so until your Itemized Deductions are higher than the Standard deduction your refund would not change.  Or it will just change a little at a time as you increase your deductions over the standard amount.

And some deductions are limited like Medical and state taxes paid.  Then If you are able to itemize you just get a percentage of your deductions back. Like if you are in the 25% tax bracket for a $100 deduction you will save $25. It isn't added on to your refund. Deductions reduce your income so you get taxed on a lower amount.

And that is just for the amount that puts you over the Standard Deduction.  Now that the Standard Deduction is higher many people will be switching to the Standard Deduction.  And there is a max 10,000 limit (5,000 MFS) of property tax and state taxes "SALT".  And you can only deduct Medical that’s over 7.5% of your AGI.

For 2022 the standard deduction amounts are:

Single 12,950 + 1,750 or 65 and over or blind (14,700)

HOH 19,400 + 1,750 for 65 and over or blind

Joint 25,900 + 1,400 for each 65 and over or blind

Married filing Separate 12,950 + 1,400 for 65 and over or blind