On Feb 8, 9:46*am, an_ordinary_guy_...[at]hotmail.com (Bill) wrote:
- quote -

got it. thanks

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On Feb 7, 11:02*pm, Jane <googlemail2...[at]yahoo.com> wrote:
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A new rule for 2008 taxes allows anyone who does not itemize and pays
real estate taxes to add up to $500 ($1,000 if MFJ) to their standard
deduction. It's that simple.

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<< ------------------------------------------------------- > << The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, > << nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties > << that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. > << > << The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts > << to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy > << are at www.asktax.org. > << Copyright (2007) - All rights reserved. > << ------------------------------------------------------- >

googlemail2003[at]yahoo.com (Jane) posted:

- quote -

As the Moderator said, you can still receive the benefit of any real
estate taxes paid up to $500 if single, or $1000 if MFJ (as you state
you file).

If you're preparing on paper, and your actual real estate taxes paid on
your main home (where you live) were as much as -- or more than --
$1000, simply place an X or check mark in the box on line 39c, and add
$1000 to your total standard deduction as shown in the left hand margin
for your filing status (MFJ, in your case). [Note: If you are 65 or
older, there are already additional values that should be added, in the
amount of $1050 per person who qualifies.]

Here's an example: If you're both 65+, your standard deduction would be
calculated as follows:

$10900 - Basic standard deduction for MFJ
+ 2100 - $1050 each for taxpayer and spouse
+ 1000 - If amount of real estate tax was $1K+
_______
$14000 - Total standard deduction to enter

Now, if you're using software and not itemizing, you should still open
the Schedule A and enter the actual real estate taxes paid on your main
home (where you live). Nothing else on the A needs to be entered.

If they are as much as (or more than) the allowable amount, the software
should add that allowable amount to your standard deduction and indicate
it as Real Estate Taxes Paid or insert the X on line 39c.

If your RE taxes are less than the allowable amount, then the total of
your taxes should be added to your standard deduction.

Bill

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<< ------------------------------------------------------- > << The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, > << nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties > << that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. > << > << The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts > << to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy > << are at www.asktax.org. > << Copyright (2007) - All rights reserved. > << ------------------------------------------------------- >

What the heck does this mean? I see it on form 1040, line 39c. I
read the publication explanation and I still don't get it.

We file jointly but do not itemize. Does it mean I can add my real
estate taxes to my standard deduction?

========================================= MODERATOR'S COMMENT:
Even if you do not itemize, you can add to your standard deduction
the property tax you paid, up to $500; or $1000 if filing status is MFJ.

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<< ------------------------------------------------------- > << The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, > << nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties > << that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. > << > << The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts > << to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy > << are at www.asktax.org. > << Copyright (2007) - All rights reserved. > << ------------------------------------------------------- >