R/E TAXES PAID (simple question)

[TAXNJ]

Client pays real estate tax for mother in law (mother in law owns home)

Can client take the real estate tax deductions or ONLY the person who owns the property takes the deduction?

(I am doubling checking my reading of the The Tax Book page 4-10 "real estate taxes - 1st sentence)

Thanks in advance

[GIMoe]

You are correct...

Client pays real estate tax for mother in law (mother in law owns home)

Can client take the real estate tax deductions or ONLY the person who owns the property takes the deduction?

(I am doubling checking my reading of the The Tax Book page 4-10 "real estate taxes - 1st sentence)

Thanks in advance

...Only the property owner can claim the deduction.

[jainen]

No she can't

>>...Only the property owner can claim the deduction.<<

No she can't. Only the person who pays the expense can claim the deduction!

[TAXNJ]

Thank you

Thanks to both of you - guess the season is getting to my reading.

Jainen - not to continue a long disscusion but I think your reply meant to say NOT the person who pays the expense BUT the person who OWNS the property

"Only the property owner can claim the deduction.<<

No she can't. Only the person who pays the expense can claim the deduction!"

[Gene V]

Have mother-in-law take the deduction—client gifted the money to her to pay the property tax.

[GIMoe]

Allow me to clarify...

>>...Only the property owner can claim the deduction.<<

No she can't. Only the person who pays the expense can claim the deduction!

She is the only one who is Entitled or Allowed to claim any amount that is made, or considered to be made by her. For example, son-in-law gifts amount paid for real estate taxes to mother-in-law, it is considered to be paid by her and she can take the deduction. He (the taxpayer in question) can not claim even if he did pay for it, unless his name (or spouses name, if MFJ) is on the deed. If said taxpayer, chooses not to gift the amount to mother-in-law, then neither of them can take it.

Is that better, or did I miss something?

[TAXNJ]

Yes

Thanks again to you all -done deal