I've entered itemized deductions for mortgage interest (my mortgage level is below the code threshold), property taxes (it's a little over the $10k max), state sales taxes and charitable deductions. These show up in the comparison of my 2018 vs 2017 deductions, however they do not carry into the software's Schedule A (each of them has no value), so the program chooses the standard deduction for my 1040, when the itemized deductions are substantially greater. When I look at the print of my return there is no Schedule A. Have I done something wrong? Thanks!
are you filing joint ($24k), single ($12k) or head of household ($18k)?
are you using online of desktop version and if desktop which one (deluxe, premier, etc.)
I'm filing married jointly with 24k std deductions. My itemized should be around $60k. Using the desktop Deluxe version. Thanks!
I suspect it's something on your end; i also use Desktop Deluxe with no issues with respect to itemization.
has your software updated recently (last update was Feb 14)?
do you have any red exclamation marks in the left column when in Forms View? (i.e. clear any errors)
those are the only ideas I have currently. does any of that solve the problem?
also, just because of the way you wrote it originally, property taxes
AND
state taxes are limited to $10,000. are you are still over $24,000 of deductions?
Thanks again for your input. I just downloaded and installed today including any updates. There are no noted errors/exclamation points in Forms view, however I see that there is no Sch A in the forms inventory on the left. Yes, I should have around $55k in std deductions with the state and property taxes capped at 10k.
Let's try this, please.
If the itemized deductions exceed the standard then go back to step by step mode. Navigate to:
Now another question is the tax return states $24,000.00 is Standard Deduction my friend has $26,600.00, however, the Schedule A is still not being seen nor will it print.
I was able to find the answer. My friend only had $22,017.00 in deductions & the form recommended to use Standard Deduction. (feeling dumb). 🙂
...and 26,600 is the Std Ded for a MFJ couple, both aged 65 or older.
.......25,300 if only one was older than 65
..........24,000 for both under 65
_______________
and each blind person adds 1300 too for a MFJ couple.
This is happening for me as well. But the options to select a Form is disabled. Need to amend my return as my itemized deductions exceeded the standard and no Schedule A was created
How much were you medical expenses? Only the part that exceeds 7.5% of you AGI is deductible.
How much were your state and property taxes? The deduction is limited to $10,000 in most cases
Can you please summarize the dollar value of your deduction and whether you are single or married for this forum?
It is VERY unlikely that TT is incorrect
.... or did you file standard and not realize you have more deductions that can
Cause you to file itemized???
Hi Hilltopper:
Did you ever get an answer to your question about TurboTax Deluxe not giving you the option of itemized deductions? I'm having the same problem.
I have itemized deductions of $14,300, but TurboTax is showing only the standard deduction on my 1040. There is no Schedule A in the list of Forms, and clicking on "Done with deductions" does not take me to a page where I can choose which to use.
Help!
@DC9 TurboTax will only use the greater of the Standard Deduction for your filing status or the total of Itemized Deduction on Schedule A.
Medical Expenses entered on Schedule A are limited to the amount greater than 7.5% of your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income)
State/Local income taxes paid or Sales tax paid (whichever is greater) plus property taxes paid entered on Schedule A is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 if filing as Married Filing Separately)
The total of all your itemized deductions on Schedule A must be greater than the standard deduction for your filing status to have any tax benefit.
Standard deductions for 2018
To change the deduction type being used -
Enter itemized deductions, choosing in the Search box located in the upper right of the program screen. Click on Jump to itemized deductions, choosing
If you change to Itemized Deductions from the Standard Deduction that was selected, you should see your federal tax refund decrease or the federal taxes owed increase.
Does the $1,600 standard deduction for over 65 kick in the year after my 65th birthday? I turned 65 last year and it's showing a standard deduction of $13,600.
HOWEVER.....shouldn't I be able to see a Schedule A in the Forms list? I'd like to be able to see the numbers all in one place, rather than schlepping through the Easy Step pages.
Your standard deduction is based upon your age on the very last day of the tax year. The software uses your date of birth as entered in My Info.
2018
Single $12,000 (+ $1600 65 or older)
Married Filing Separately $12,000 (+ $1300 65 or older)
Married Filing Jointly $24,000 (+ $1300 each spouse 65 or older)
Head of Household $18,000 (+ $1600 65 or older)
Look at line 8 of your Form 1040 to see your standard or itemized deductions.
2019
Single $12,200 (+ $16,50 65 or older)
Married Filing Separately ( $12,200 (+ $1650 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)
Are you using the Online version?
If it's giving you the Standard Deduction and not showing you Schedule A you can check the actual amount of itemized deductions by using by going to
Tax Tools on left
Tools - Topic Search (top left box)
Type in itemized deductions, choosing. It should highlight that in the list, click on GO
Then Click on "Change my deduction". That will display the actual amount of itemized deductions vs. the standard deduction. (Be sure to uncheck "Change my deduction" after checking it so you do not lock in the wrong deduction.
How to change between the Standard Deduction and Itemized Deductions
This year deductions are changing and several will be limited. There is a max 10,000 limit of State, local, property, and sales tax (SALT) deduction. And employee job expenses have been suspended. You can only deduct Medical/Dental that's over 7.5% of your AGI.
FAQ on 2018 changes
Deductions that have been suspended for 2018
Oh if you have the Forms list you have the Desktop program.
For the Desktop program
If it's giving you the Standard Deduction and not showing you Schedule A you can check it 4 ways.
1 You can switch to Forms Mode and open A from the top of the left column Open Form and pick schedule A out of the list on the right side.
2 The easiest way is to go up to Show Topic List on the top bar and scroll down the list to
Standard Deduction vs Itemized Deductions
That takes you directly to the
The Standard [or Itemized] Deduction is Right for You screen
3 You can check the actual amount of itemized deductions by going up to Search and type in
itemized deductions, choosing
Then click on Jump to itemized deductions
Click on "Change my deduction.
4 OR go up to Federal (Personal for H&B)
Deductions and Credits
Click on Done with Deductions at bottom
Continue on though 3 screens and you will get to the Standard Deduction is right for You screen
That will display the actual amount of itemized deductions vs. the standard deduction. (Be sure to uncheck "Change my deduction" after checking it so you do not lock in the wrong deduction.
Initially had itemized deductions recommended, as higher than standard. During error correction, program reverted me back to a standard deduction. Now refund much lower.
I am not being offered the option of choosing itemized deductions following the instructions above.
Other suggestions? Seems like the program is glitching.
Are you making the common mistake of just adding up all the amounts for your itemized deductions without considering the caps and thresholds that must be met?
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. 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.
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
If you want to force itemized deductions:
HOW TO FORCE ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS
You may have limitations on some of your itemized deductions that are not allowing to take full deductions. For an example, if you have medical deductions, IRS excludes the first 7.5% of AGI for medical deductions. Tell me the type of itemized deductions you claimed and we can see why the program is not recognizing your itemized deductions.
Thanks, but that’s not the case with me. TurboTax CPA looked at it with me. Program was glitching and not allowing me to proceed properly. He couldn’t fix it.
I went online and re-did the whole return and it worked. I had to buy another Deluxe program to do it. Might be out some funds.