What Taxes Are Deductible?

You can deduct, on Schedule A as an itemized deduction, certain taxes that were imposed on you that you paid during the year. You cannot deduct taxes paid for another party, if you are not also liable for payment of the tax.

Deductible taxes include:

• State and local income tax.
• Payments to certain state benefit funds (including California state disability insurance) that are imposed as taxes.
• Foreign income taxes (unless you elect to claim the credit on Form 1116).
• Real estate taxes on property you own (but not just amounts impounded by the mortgage company, until the taxes are actually remitted to the taxing authority).
• Your share of real estate taxes on a co-op apartment.
• Personal property taxes.

You CANNOT deduct:

• Federal income taxes.
• FICA tax withheld.
• Charges imposed by taxing districts for improvements or services, such as garbage collection or sewers.
• Sales taxes.
• Federal and state excise taxes.
• Fees for drivers licenses, dog licenses, hunting or fishing licenses.