I own my house and file a 1040a form. Can I still claim the real estate taxes I paid in 2008?

I own my house and file the 1040a form. Can I claim the real estate taxes I paid in 2008?

Public Comments

1. Yes! This year, your real estate taxes are actually applied to your standard deduction if higher than your itemized deduction.
2. Up until this year, you had to file a 1040 and itemize to deduct it. But this year, you can add $500 ($1000 on a joint return) of real estate taxes you paid to your standard deduction if you don't itemize.
3. Yes, this is available on form 1040A, line 24. You will check the box on line 23c and complete the worksheet on page 33 of the 1040A instructions I have linked below. Great question. Laura H – H&R Block – Senior Tax Advisor 5 **This advice was prepared based on our understanding of the tax law in effect at the time it was written as it applies to the facts that you provided.
4. Hi, you can get the form from the IRS: http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/ You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 they might be able to help. For the future you can try FileLate.com: http://www.filelate.com you will be able to file all you late and current tax returns here and they will answer all questions you have. I use this online service do my taxes and I can always go back to them for any questions, Good Luck :-)