Heard you can claim state tax paid on your federal taxes. Whats that about

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Yes.  If you itemize deductions instead of taking the Standard Deduction you can deduct any state taxes actually paid in 2019.  Like your paycheck withholding and any state tax paid like a tax due on your 2018 return last year.

State and local taxes paid are:

-any state withholding from your paychecks, retirement checks, unemployment checks, etc.

-a state tax due (for any year) you paid last year

-any state estimated tax payments you made during year including an overpayment applied from last year

-any local taxes withheld on your checks like SDI in box 14 or 19 on your W2

But there is a max 10,000 limit (5,000 MFS) of property tax and state taxes "SALT".  SALT is State And Local Tax.  And since the Standard Deduction is a lot higher now more people are switching to the Standard Deduction.

For 2019 the standard deduction amounts are:

Single 12,200 + 1,650 for 65 and over or blind

HOH 18,350 + 1,650 for 65 and over or blind

Joint 24,400+ 1,300 for each 65 and over or blind

Married filing Separate 12,200 + 1,300 for 65 and over or blind