My refund amount doesn’t change when I enter my charitable donations. Is there a reason for that, or is it a software glitch? My refund is about 8% of taxes paid...

[jesse-mclaughlin]

None of my $3k entries in Donations to Charity in 2018 changed my Federal Refund amount.  I was expecting the number to increase after each entry, but nothing happens.

[AlanT · Accepted solution]

Charitable donation deduction will only change your refund amount if you itemize your deductions.  If you use the standard deduction, entering charitable donations will not affect your bottom line.  

Check your return to see if you are using the standard deduction or itemized deduction.  This year, the standard deduction nearly doubled, so most be will use the standard deduction.