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New Member
posted Jun 1, 2019 2:27:32 PM

Turbo tax used standard deduction instead of my itemized deductions. after filing, it showed using itemized. why? and how do I change my return?

I didn't change anything in my deductions after originally filing my return but Turbo tax did change from using the standard deduction to using itemized and I can't figure out why it changed.

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1 Best answer
Employee Tax Expert
Jun 1, 2019 2:27:37 PM

Turbo tax compares and gives you the higher of standard or itemized deduction. 

You can check Line 8 of your form 1040 to see standard or itemized deduction information. (In 2018, single taxpayers and married taxpayers who file separate returns can claim a $12,000 standard deduction. Married couples filing jointly can claim an amount that's twice as large, $24,000, and taxpayers filing as "head of household" (single individuals with dependents) can claim a standard deduction of $18,000.) You can verify this number with your filing status to confirm if you received standard or itemized deduction. 

If you want to change from standard to itemized deduction you can follow these steps 

  • Click on Federal Taxes then Deductions and CreditsDesktop/CD Download users may see "I'll choose what I work on"
  • After going through the deductions and credit section, Choose Wrap Up Tax Breaks. Desktop/CD Download users may see Done with Deductions 
  • You may then see a screen regarding an IRA tax break, you can click not this year or you can go through the section if needed, then hit continue.  
  • Go through any summary or analysis screens (or interview questions) until you reach the screen that says What you're getting: Federal Standard Deduction
  • There should be a box directly under that to select to change your deduction. Check that box and follow the prompts.

4 Replies
Level 3
Jun 1, 2019 2:27:33 PM

Where did you see that TurboTax changed your tax return after filing?

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 2:27:34 PM

It showed up after filing when I went to look at the return again in Turbo Tax.  My original filing used the standard deduction and when I went back to the return it had used my original itemized data.  I had not changed anything in my entries, it just calculated differently for some reason.  Original due was $219, which I paid, and the changed return showed I owed only $10.  I can't figure out why and don't see a way to send an amended return to get my money back.  I didn't add up my total itemized deductions and took Turbo Tax calculation to be correct when they used the standard deduction.  Now I find with the latest calculation, that I actually had nearly $1000 more in itemized deductions than the credited $26600 standard deduction.  How can this be, and how do I file a new return to get some of my money back?
Thanks

Level 3
Jun 1, 2019 2:27:36 PM

How long ago did you file the tax return? It could be that there was a change made to the calculations after you filed that was beneficial to your refund. In that case you may receive an email from TurboTax with instructions for how to amend. You have 3 years to amend your return to claim an additional refund. I've also included the instructions to amend online below.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/7276596">https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/7276596</a>

Employee Tax Expert
Jun 1, 2019 2:27:37 PM

Turbo tax compares and gives you the higher of standard or itemized deduction. 

You can check Line 8 of your form 1040 to see standard or itemized deduction information. (In 2018, single taxpayers and married taxpayers who file separate returns can claim a $12,000 standard deduction. Married couples filing jointly can claim an amount that's twice as large, $24,000, and taxpayers filing as "head of household" (single individuals with dependents) can claim a standard deduction of $18,000.) You can verify this number with your filing status to confirm if you received standard or itemized deduction. 

If you want to change from standard to itemized deduction you can follow these steps 

  • Click on Federal Taxes then Deductions and CreditsDesktop/CD Download users may see "I'll choose what I work on"
  • After going through the deductions and credit section, Choose Wrap Up Tax Breaks. Desktop/CD Download users may see Done with Deductions 
  • You may then see a screen regarding an IRA tax break, you can click not this year or you can go through the section if needed, then hit continue.  
  • Go through any summary or analysis screens (or interview questions) until you reach the screen that says What you're getting: Federal Standard Deduction
  • There should be a box directly under that to select to change your deduction. Check that box and follow the prompts.