2018 Payment in 2019 -- can I count as 2019 taxes paid?

[roypettis]

I underestimated the taxes due in 2018, and had to make a payment of over $2000 with my return when I filed in 2019.  Is this deductible against my 2019 taxes owed? If so, where do I put it?

[AnnetteB6]

If the $2000 payment was for state taxes, then it is deductible as part of Schedule A itemized deductions.  If the $2000 payment was for your Federal return, then it is not a tax deduction for 2019.  

Use these steps to enter the tax payment if it was for a state balance due:

• On the top row of the TurboTax online screen, click on Search (or for CD/downloaded TurboTax locate the search box in the upper right corner)
• This opens a box where you can type in “state balance due paid” (be sure to enter exactly as shown here) and click the magnifying glass (or for CD/downloaded TurboTax, click Find)
• The search results will give you an option to “Jump to state balance due paid”
• Click on the blue “Jump to state balance due paid” link
• Scroll to the bottom of the screen until you see Other Income Taxes Paid in 2019
• Click Start or Update beside Balance due on your 2018 state taxes paid in 2019

@roypettis

[Texas Roger]

Federal taxes paid for a prior tax year are never deductible on your federal tax return.  They do not count as 2019 taxes paid because the payment was for 2018 taxes.