sales tax on new leased vehicle

[mirpc]

I'm still not certain if my question has been addressed.

I leased a new auto in Florida in December 2022. The sales tax is paid monthly for 39 months. Can I claim the total amount which will be paid over the 39 month lease in year 2022 or just the $28.00 monthly tax paid in December. If the latter, how do I get credit for the remaining 38 months @ $28.00/mo.?

I chose to itemize deductions and took the sales tax option.

Thank You

[leeloo]

You can't take a deduction for something you haven't paid. For 2022, you'll take $28. For 2023, you'll take $28 x 12 months, etc.

[Mike9241]

we can't see the lease agreement. for tax purposes it could be a capital lease in effect an installment purchase this would entitle you to deduct all the sales tax in year 1 

Taxes for Capital Leases
For tax purposes, a lease is considered a capital lease when the amount of the lease is $50,000 or more, the useful life of the asset is two or more years, and the lease meets at least one of these criteria:

1) Transfers owner of the personal property to the lessee by the end of the lease term
2) Contains an option to buy at a bargain price
3) The lease term is 75% or more of the estimated useful life of the property. 39months/60 months is only 65%
4) The net present value of the property is 90% or more of the fair market value of the property.
Because they are considered assets, capital leases may be eligible for depreciation if for business purposes - employees not eligible to depreciate.  check with your tax professional.