tfrieling[at]gmail.com wrote:

- quote -

Yes. Add 'em up; add 'em ALL up.
Head 'em up, and move 'em out!

ChEAr$,
Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

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tfrieling[at]gmail.com posted:

- quote -

Remember you use different columns, based on your total
exemptions claimed, from the tables provided at the end of
the instructions for Schedule A.

You should recognize that you can use the optional table
_and also include specific taxes paid for unusual
expenditures for items such as a new car, boat, trailer or
remodeling materials for a big project_.

Given these facts, it seems likely that your life will be
enormously simplified if you simply use the table amount
allowed + the additional tax for the SUV (from the invoice)
+ additional taxes paid for the building materials.
furniture and appliances (from sales receipts).

The allowances seem reasonable, and given the ability to add
"large item" sales taxes ... my choice would always be to
forget the tedium of adding every receipt -- especially
since it's unlikely you've got them all, for the entire
year.

JMHO.

Bill

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tfrieling[at]gmail.com wrote:

- quote -

Many states charge a higher rate for vehicle purchases. You
can only deduct up to the General Sales Tax rate for your
locality.

- quote -

Anything that documents the sales tax you paid on the
purchase. Home improvements generally add to the basis of
your house, make sure that your basis adjustment does not
include the sales tax you are claiming. Generally, there is
no sales tax charged on gas purchases or groceries, but if
you bought other things (not uncommon in today's
supermarkets) that tax paid would be on your receipt.

- quote -

Fugetaboutit. Those are specifically excluded under the tax
law.

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<tfrieling[at]gmail.com> wrote:

- quote -

Everything

- quote -

Most utility bills nowadays have a variety of taxes and fees
itemized. If you can find one that says it's sales tax, you
can include that amount. The others are not sales tax and
are not deductible.

--
Phil Marti
Clarksburg, MD

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- quote -

Yes.

- quote -

Everything, as long as the tax was charged at the general
sales tax rate. (See IRS instructions for Schedule A line 5
for some special cases.)

- quote -

Yes, if the tax is shown separately on the receipt, and was
charged at the general sales tax rate. Gas stations
generally do not meet these requirements, but the other
places do.

- quote -

Not all of the taxes on phone, cable, and utility bills are
sales tax. You can only deduct sales tax, and only if it is
shown separately on the bill and charged at the general
sales tax rate.

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I am trying to figure out the rules regarding using the
sales tax deduction instead of the income tax deduction. I
bought a new SUV in November of 2005 and made a lot of
improvements to my home during 2005 (about $32,000 in
materials and furniture) I don't want to use the tables that
the IRS gives and instead I want to use actual receipts for
that sales tax deduction but I am unclear as to what I can
deduct. Can I add up all the sales tax I paid for the year
by going over all my receipts and bills for the 2005 year?
does this include every possible thing I paid sales tax on
in the 2005 year or are some items excluded. I know I can
add up all of my remodeling, appliance and furniture
receipts but can I also add up all my grocery store, gas
station, fast food and any other little receipt I find? What
about the taxes I on paid on my phone bill, cable bill or
other monthly utility? I know the utilities might be a
stretch but if I can include them every little bit will help
me get a bigger refund.

Thanks for the help!

Tim

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