In 2016 we paid property taxes for the years 2010 thru 2013. Can the taxes minus penalties be claimed on our 2016 taxes?

[JohnR1 · Accepted solution]

Yes - real estate taxes paid on your primary residence during the 2016 tax year, even if they relate to prior years, may be claimed as an itemized deduction

If real estate taxes paid amounts were reported to you (usually on Form 1098, in Box 10), these represents the amount of real estate taxes you paid on your residence during the tax year.  The total amount of taxes paid (excluding any late payment penalties) should be included on your federal income tax return, on Form 1040 Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, Line 6, (Real estate taxes), if you itemize your deductions.

Here's how to enter real estate taxes paid in TurboTax:

• In your return, click on Federal Taxes tab

• Click on Deductions & Credits

• Under Your tax breaks, select Edit/Add button for “Property Taxes”

On “Enter the Property Taxes You Paid”, enter the total amount of real estate taxes paid on the home in the "Your Main Home” box, per the Form 1098 Box 10, or from whatever source you received the real estate taxes paid amount.