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Level 3
Feb 21, 2021 4:24 PM UTC
Solved

TurboTax standard deduction help confusion

I'm filing my 2020 taxes with TurboTax Deluxe on Windows.   I've come to the part where TurboTax is asking me if my 2019 Rhode Island refund is taxable and it's asking me whether or not I took a standard deduction in 2019.   I clicked on the "I don't know" link and a help box popped up instructing me to look at my 2019 return.  This is what's in the help box:

The standard deduction amounts are:
- $12,200 for Single or Married Filing Separately
- $24,400 for Married Filing Jointly or Qualifying Widow(er)
- $18,350 for Head of Household

However, in 2019, I took $13,850 as the standard deduction and according to the 1040 form "Standard deduction chart", the standard deduction for me (single, one box checked) is $13,850 which is different than $12200.   Is the TurboTax help information incorrect or am I very confused?

 

Rob

 

    VolvoGirl
    VolvoGirlAnswer
    Level 15
    Feb 21, 2021 4:37 PM UTC

    So you did take the Standard Deduction of $12,200 + 1,650 (over 65) = 13,850.  The state tax refund is not taxable and you don't even have to enter it.   Guess the pop up box doesn't account for the over 65 amounts.  

    4 replies

    Level 15
    Feb 21, 2021 4:28 PM UTC

    Were you 65 or older at the end of 2019?

     

    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

     

    **Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
    RobtGAuthor
    Level 3
    Feb 21, 2021 5:00 PM UTC

    I was 65 at the end of 2019.   Thanks for your reply; I just was a bit concerned that I was misinterpreting something.

    VolvoGirl
    VolvoGirlAnswer
    Level 15
    Feb 21, 2021 4:37 PM UTC

    So you did take the Standard Deduction of $12,200 + 1,650 (over 65) = 13,850.  The state tax refund is not taxable and you don't even have to enter it.   Guess the pop up box doesn't account for the over 65 amounts.  

    RobtGAuthor
    Level 3
    Feb 21, 2021 4:58 PM UTC

    Thanks for the quick reply!   Much appreciated.

     

    Rob