Massachusetts taxes

[mrbill]

On my federal return the total of my a deductions is $13,365. This includes a medical deduction (line 4) of $4,780. My standard deduction is $14,200. If i enter $13,365 on 1040, line 40., i could enter $4,780 as a medical deduction on my massachusetts return. This would increase my total refund (fed & state) by $131.
Question is - Can I do this ? Thanks,

[mrbill]

Patience is a virtue. I should have checked the federal reg's 1st. Publication 17, page 141, "electing to itemize..." says i can do it. "luck of the irish"

[Burke]

I do this all the time, since fed standard is $14,200 for MFJ and state standard is $6,000. Also recently did this to reduce AMT by $2,200!

[taxmom34]

and next year the state refund is nontaxable. i only found that this worked on my own return and my friend's return,. i look at both ways of filing and use the one that comes up with highest refund between the fed and state

[ruthc]

Refund not taxable?

Why wouldn't the Mass refund be taxable?

[Burke]

Depends on the spread. You would have to run the worksheet for state refunds.

[taxmom34]

if you take less than the standard deduction there was no advantage in taking the state tax as a deduction (to get the large medical expense on MA return)