I don't understand why TurboTax is telling me to take the itemized deduction of ~$11,000 when the standard deduction is supposedly ~$24,000. Can someone explain?

[fanfare]

TurboTax gives you the best choice based on your filing status and available deductions.

[xmasbaby0]

Are you filing married filing separately?  If so , you have to file the same way your spouse is filing.  If your spouse filed MFS and itemized then you must itemize too.  What filing status are you and your spouse using?  The standard deduction of $24,400 is for a couple who are fling married filing jointly.

[natepaier]

I am filing married jointly so, again, I don't understand why Turbotax is directing me to, what appears to be, a smaller deduction.  

[VolvoGirl]

Maybe you said to take Itemized Deductions?  I'm not sure where.  Most of my notes are for it giving you the Standard Deduction when you want to Itemize.  But see if this will help you change it.

How to change between the Standard Deduction and Itemized Deductions

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/accessing/help/how-do-i-change-from-the-standard-deduction-to-item...

[xmasbaby0]

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900142-how-can-i-tell-which-deduction-standard-or-itemized-i-m-us...

HOW TO FORCE ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900142-how-do-i-change-from-the-standard-deduction-to-itemized-or...

Your standard deduction lowers your taxable income.  It is not a refund. 

2019 Standard Deduction Amounts

Single $12,200   (+ $1650 65 or older)

Married Filing Separate  $12,200   (+ $1300 if 65 or older)

Married Filing Jointly $24,400   (+ $1300 for each spouse 65 or older)

Head of Household $18,350  (+ $1650 for 65 or older)

Look on line 9 of your 2019 Form 1040 to see your itemized/standard deduction amount