Real Estate Added to Standard

[Super Mom]

I understand that real estate taxes can be added to the standard deduction this year if they can't itemize. Can anyone tell me how that works with a trailer, it's taxed as personal property, these people can't itemize but it's where they live--the daughter owns the land. Can't they show the amount for the home even if it says "personal property" instead of "real estate"?

Any help is greatly appreciated!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!

[thomtax]

Don't have a cite for you, but in looking at TTB 3-6, it specifically says real estate taxes. Based on this, it would look to me as if the answer is NO. However, as you know, in taxes there may be some exception somewhere and someone may be able to show me wrong. Taxes are not always what appears to be fair or just.

LT

[HBurkholder]

In PA you get a real estate tax bill for a trailer on a rented lot. I had one last eve where I took the deduction - perhaps I did it wrong.

[BP.]

In PA you get a real estate tax bill for a trailer on a rented lot. I had one last eve where I took the deduction - perhaps I did it wrong.

I'm in PA and would do as you did --- the bills do say "real estate tax."

[Bees Knees]

Personal property taxes are different than real estate taxes.

One is a tax on personal property (such as the trailer itself).

The other is a tax on real estate (such as the lot the trailer sits on).

You have to know if the tax is taxing the lot, or the trailer before answering the question if it can be added to the standard deduction.

[Koss]

Tax on Mobile Home

This issue varies significantly from state to state, and even within one state, depending on the individual facts and circumstances.

In many states, a mobile home that is permanently attached to a foundation is treated as real property. Pennsylvania appears to have a very specific procedure for cancellation of the vehicle title.

67 Pa. Code 401.5(a) reads as follows:

Certificate of title. The owner of a mobile home which has been permanently mounted on a foundation and affixed to real property may apply for cancellation of the certificate of title or ownership for the mobile home by completing the appropriate form furnished by the Department of Transportation and returning it with the certificate of title or ownership to the Department of Transportation.

The question of whether a trailer is real or personal property is determined by state law, and by the specific facts and circumstances. There is no general rule.

You may need to check with a lawyer. But if the guy is getting a bill that says real estate tax, then it sounds to me like the property that's getting taxed is real property.

BMK

[S T]

Calif

In the past California has two measures for tax on Mobile Homes and possibly a Trailer, that can not be readily moved on the highway.

Some clients are on California Dept of Housing and Community Development - like a Registration Fee and then Others are actually paying Property Tax through the Tax Assessors Office in the County the reside.

What I was advised many years ago, that the buyer has the option as to which one they would rather register with. Doesn't seem to matter if they are in a Mobile Home Park, or if the the t/p owns the land.

Sandy