Paid car registration in 2019 but processed in 2020, should VLF deduction be counted as 2019?

[wangyu220]

We leased a LEAF and paid in December 2019 for car registration to the dealer. When I checked VLF in DMV website it shows 0 in 2019 but $200 in 2020 since it processed the payment on Jan 2 2020 (the registration is for Dec 2019-2020).  May I count the VLF deduction in my 2019 tax year?

I think it should be counted in 2019. Since I will pay next year's registration before Dec 2020 (it expires in Dec 2020). It is not right to record 2 registration fees in one calendar year, right? However, DMV record might support the otherwise. 

Thanks a lot for your help. 

[Bsch4477]

You can deduct it in the year you paid it (2019). 

[Texas Roger]

Yes you can claim it on your 2019 tax return. Registration fees are deductible as an itemized deduction to the extent the fee is based on the value of the car. If no portion of it is based on the value of the car, it is not deductible.