Tax Year Prior to 2020: Why is the system requiring me to enter an amount I received for assistance program payments in order to claim a homeowner property tax refund?

[VictoriaD75]

Each state varies on how they handle deductions or credits related to property taxes. The amount and how it is applied varies state-by-state. It is likely that any assistance you received will reduce the tax benefit available to you.

If you received assistance under specified programs, any benefit received may reduce the amount you are allowed to deduct for mortgage interest and property taxes.  Generally, if taxpayers do not pay out of pocket for an item, it minimizes the tax benefit, whether it be similar taxes, interest, medical expenses, education expenses, etc. Property taxes are itemized deductions and not refunded in their entirety on your return. They are included as state and local taxes with a combined deduction capped at $10,000. If your total itemized deductions are less than your standard deduction for your filing status, itemized deductions will not have any affect on your tax return, as the standard deduction will provide you with the most benefit.

Tax Information for Homeowners

[itskt]

I did not receive any assistance. The system will not let me enter 0.  Plus, I can not unclick go through property tax on the previous pages.  How do I go on?

[VictorW9]

Which state return are you filing?

[itskt]

Minnesota

It wants to know how much i received in assistance.  I did not receive anything.  Will not let me put in zero