If you itemize deductions you get to take the larger of all your state tax paid last year or the sales tax table plus a few major purchases. If you take the sales tax deduction instead of state income tax then if you get a state tax refund then next year it won't be taxable income on your federal return.
Then all your deductions have to be more than the Standard Deduction to be used. For 2017 the standard deduction amounts are:
Single 6,350 + 1,550 for 65 and over
HOH 9,350 + 1,550 for 65 and over
Joint 12,700 + 1,250 for each 65 and over
Married filing Separate 6,350 + 1,250 for 65 and over
