state tax deduction

[dobyman]

my state income tax withheld was 2200 but I paid 5600 in sales tax. Why am i only getting 2200 back from state? I thought I got back the bigger of the two amounts?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

You misunderstood.   You do not get back all of the state sales tax you paid.   Sales tax is just an itemized deduction that you can enter along with mortgage interest, medical expenses and charity donations.   Unless your itemized deductions exceed your standard deduction, the sales tax has no effect at all.

Sounds like you are very lucky to get back all of the state tax that was withheld.

2025 STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS

SINGLE $15,750  (65 or older/legally blind + $2000)

MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY $15,750  (65 or older/legally blind +1600)

MARRIED FILING JOINTLY $31,500  (65 or older/legally blind + $1600)

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD $23,625 (65 or older/legally blind + $2000)

[dobyman]

Thank you.   I was confused.  Would have been nice to get the $5600.