Can't the sales tax deduction be the exact amount of sales tax paid instead of the canned amount

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

Yes, if you have the actual receipts for the sales taxes paid.  See IRS Schedule A Line 5 instructions, page 3 - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040sca.pdf#page=3

To enter your sales taxes

• Click on Federal Taxes (Personal using Home and Business)
• Click on Deductions and Credits
• Click on I'll choose what I work on (if shown)
• Scroll down to Estimates and Other Taxes Paid
• On Sales Taxes, click the start or update button

Or enter sales tax in the Search box located in the upper right of the program screen.  Click on Jump to sales tax