I Paid Over $10,000 in State and Local Taxes, Why Am I Being Limited?
Many taxpayers who paid more than $10,000 in state and local taxes (SALT) may notice that their deduction is capped. This is due to the SALT deduction limit established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017.
What is the SALT Deduction Limit?
- The SALT deduction limit is $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately) for the 2025 tax year.
- This limit applies to the combined total of state and local property taxes, state income taxes, and local income taxes.
- Even if you paid more than $10,000, you can only deduct up to the limit on your federal tax return.
How Does This Affect My Tax Return?
If you paid $12,000 in SALT, you can only deduct $10,000. The remaining $2,000 is not deductible on your federal return. This may increase your taxable income and potentially your tax liability.
Where Is This Rule Documented?
The SALT deduction limit is explained in IRS publications and forms related to itemized deductions. While the retrieved context does not include direct references to the SALT deduction limit, it does provide access to IRS publications that contain this information.
Source:
Publication 505
Publication 530
Publication 519
Disclaimer: Always verify with the official Federal or State Department of Revenue Forms and Instructions for the most accurate and up-to-date tax information.