Sales tax major purchase deduction not working properly

[user17705932340]

When I enter the amount of sales tax paid on a major purchase, Turbo Tax Premier gives an error that the calculated rate does not match the rate for where I live ("Because of IRS regulations, you cannot deduct the sales tax paid on your Plumbing materials purchase because it was calculated using a rate that does not match the general rate for your location (0.0780)".)   Even when entering a dummy transaction of $1000, with 78 dollars of tax (a 7.8% rate) I get the error. 

[DianeW777]

If you would like to send us a “diagnostic” file that has your “numbers” but not your personal information it would help.  If you would like to do this, here are the instructions:  (Don't forget to give us the state)

TurboTax Online:

Open your return -Go to the menu panel on the left side of your return and select Tax Tools. 

1. Then select Tools below Tax Tools.
2. A window will pop up which says Tools Center.  
3. On this screen, select Share my file with Agent.
4. You will see a message explaining what the diagnostic copy is.  Click okay through this screen and then you will get a Token number.
5. Reply to this thread with your Token number and your state. This will allow us to open a copy of your return without seeing any personal information.

TurboTax Desktop:

If you like, you can send a copy of your return that will be scrubbed to eliminate your personal data by using these steps:

1. Click on Online in the top left menu of TurboTax Desktop for Windows
2. Select 'Send Tax File to Agent'* > Follow the prompts to reach the token number.
   • Enter your email used for TurboTax > Enter your code > Send
3. Write down or send an image of your token number and state then place in this issue.
4. We can then review your exact scenario for a solution.
5. Please also tell us any states included in the return. This is necessary for us to view the return.
   • *If using a MAC, go to the menu at the top of the screen, select Help, then, 'Send Tax File to Agent')

We will be able to see exactly what you are seeing and we can determine what exactly is going on in your return to provide you with a resolution.

@user17705932340 

[user17705932340]

@DianeW777 every time I try to send you the token in a message the system gives me an "invalid HTML" error and says I'm entering phone numbers.  Suggestions how to get you the information?  I've tried retyping it multiple times.

[VolvoGirl]

You can post a screen shot of the number by  using the camera icon at the top of the reply box.  

[user17705932340]

@DianeW777 here is the token.   Washington is state

[DianeW777]

The rate is the issue and easy to misunderstand. I had tested this earlier and here is the solution for your return. When asked to put in your sales tax rate for your state you must enter it as a percentage and not a decimal.

• Example: 7.8 versus .07800

Once this is completed your sales tax is calculated correctly and used as a deduction. Please update if your conclusion is different once the change is put in place.

@user17705932340