Itemized Deductions vs Standard Deductions

[jackie310]

My program is entering Standard Deduction when Itemized Deductions should be used since they exceed the standard deduction.  The only way I could use Itemized Deductions was to  check the box to use itemized deductions.  This has never happened before.  Is there something that I could have done wrong to cause this situation.

[Just-Lisa-Now- · Accepted solution]

Is the standard plus the charity (up to 300) a better deal than itemized?

[jackie310]

Yes it is a better deal for Federal Taxes but not State taxes. I do understand why I had to elect to itemize. Thanks so much because I totally did not get it.

[Mary Jo]

I ran into this same issue.  I had to force it to take the itemized deductions, which were larger than the standard plus the $600 for cash contributions.  I've never had this issue before either.