When I run my final review before filing TurboTax Deluxe changes my refund by $50

[hoot52]

When I run my 2021 federal taxes and run the review my refund is $949.  I run the review and there are zero errors found.  Once I complete my state all is still ok.  When I run my final review prior to the filing step my federal refund drops by $50 to $899.  I still am told there are zero errors.  I did not change anything during the process.  

Is there a bug?  When I click the back button the amount goes back up.

[EbonyA]

Could you have potentially selected the pay with refund option? (meaning Turbo Tax fees). If so, that applicable service fee is deducted from the refund total.

[VolvoGirl]

Are you using the Online web version or the Desktop installed program?  And don't look at the Refund Monitor at the top or the review and summary screens.  Look at the actual 1040 return.   

[hoot52]

I hadn't even gotten that far.  I have the desktop version.  I didn't think there was any fee for filing?  Then again, I hadn't gotten to the file part yet to have chosen that option.

[VolvoGirl]

There is a $20 fee to efile the state return in the Desktop program.  Or you can print and mail state for free.  Watch out for this screen, it can trip you up.  Did you see a pay screen?  

Or did you have to buy a state PROGRAM?  Deluxe usually comes with a free state program download but some stores sell Deluxe without a state (for states that have no income tax).  

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

And you know in the Desktop program you can see the actual forms?  Switch to Forms Mode (click Forms in the upper right (left for Mac) and look at the 1040 before and after to see what is changing.  

[hoot52]

Thanks for the tip!  I haven't  even gotten to the screen to begin filing which is why I was concerned.

[hoot52]

Love the idea.  Will do just that and update when I figure it out.

[hoot52]

Ok so I printed my 1040 before this happens.  Line 12b is at $600.  I then click "Review" and that is when the refund changes.  I then checked line 12b and it is changed to $300.

This is frustrating!

I'm all set to file but don't want to get jammed up and don't want to lose money or owe later!

[hoot52]

Well I found what is changing.  Now I want to know why and how to prevent it from happening 

[MarilynG1]

If your Charitable Donations are changing from $600 to $300 in the Federal Review, try this:

"If you wish to take the Standard Deduction and claim 600 for the Charitable Contribution Credit, please return to the Deductions & Credits section.  Scroll down to "Charitable Donations" and DELETE any cash entries you made there. 

The program will ask you for that entry at the END of the FINAL REVIEW. 

You may then enter 600 and it will stick."

Click this link for more info on the Charitable Cash Donations Error.