What would the Bates' total itemized deductions be if all three church pledge payments were made in 2019

Question Completion:

Each year, Tom and Cindy Bates (married filing jointly) report itemized deductions of $20,000 (which includes an annual $4,000 pledge payment to their church). Upon the advice of a friend, they do the following: In early January 2019, they pay their 2018 pledge; during 2019, they pay the 2019 pledge; and in late December 2019, they prepay their 2020 pledge. a. What are the Bateses trying to accomplish? To have their itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction . b. What would the Bates' total itemized deductions be if all three church pledge payments were made in 2019?

The Bates' total itemized deductions would be $20,000 if all three church pledge payments were made in 2019 (including $12,000 for the three years in church pledges and another $8,000 for other deductions).

Explanation:

It is assumed that the Bates' Adjusted Gross Income for 2019 is within the range of $100,000 to $200,000, which enables them to make charitable contributions up to $4,155 per annum.  Since taxation uses the cash basis, it is possible for the Bates to claim the $12,000 cash in pledges for the current year when payment is made in the year.