IRS Advisory May Limit Individuals' Ability to Deduct 2017 Property Tax Prepayments

An IRS advisory published in late December could prevent individuals from deducting property tax prepayments in 2017. According to the advisory, taxpayers can deduct a property tax prepayment in 2017 depending on whether the tax was both assessed and paid before January 1, 2018. Prepayments of anticipated real property taxes that have not been assessed before January 1, 2018 are not deductible in 2017. Whether a tax has been assessed is a question of state or local law, and states vary widely in when and how they assess property tax. Before prepaying your property tax, there a several issues you and your family should consider.