Can I deduct the entire property tax bill, or the bill less what the seller paid at closing?

[HelenaC · Accepted solution]

You can only deduct what you paid so enter the bill less what the seller paid at closing. 

Per IRS Publication 17 Chapter 22, page 153:  Division of real estate taxes between buyers and sellers.

• If you bought or sold real estate during the year, the real estate taxes must be divided between the buyer and the seller.
• The buyer and the seller must divide the real estate taxes according to the number of days in the real property tax year (the period to which the tax is imposed relates) that each owned the property.
• The seller is treated as paying the taxes up to, but not including, the date of sale.
• The buyer is treated as paying the taxes beginning with the date of sale. This applies regardless of the lien dates under local law.
• Generally, this information is included on the settlement statement provided at the closing.

[Answer edited to include IRS verbiage 1-23-17 8:17 am PST]