Diagnostic should be generated when electing to itemize may result in lower combined Federal and State taxes

[JLJ1]

With the large difference between the Federal standard deduction and some state's standard deductions, it is sometime better to elect to itemize, even though it cost you some Federal tax by doing this.  It is better because it saves you more in state taxes than it cost Federal.  All of the information is in Lacerte already.  Lacerte just needs to run a calculation in the background and do the comparison.  I have sent this suggestion to Lacerte at least 3 times in the past and nothing!

[alan]

Agree! And now, when I am trying to "elect" to itemize instead of standard deduction, Lacerte is not computing it and still taking the standard deduction! Help! 

[JLJ1]

You probably have the box checked for the above the line $300 charitable deduction which forces the standard deduction.  Uncheck the box on Screen 25 below contributions and that should allow itemized deductions.