Should schedule D line 21 be the $3K, when it clearly says to choose the smaller of $3K and $1.5 and advises to treat both as positive numbers? Turbotax is picking $3K.

[VolvoGirl]

No that's not what it says.  It say the smaller of line 16 or 

3,000 for Single or Joint or

1,500 if you are filing Married filing Separately.