Question

Richard makes monthly house payments that include a pro rated portion of real property taxes and insurance. The taxes and insurance are held in an escrow account until the mortgage company pays the taxing jurisdiction. During the current year, Richard paid $1,800 into the escrow account. The tax bill paid by the mortgage company totaled $1,600. The excess $200 will remain in the escrow account and accumulate toward taxes for the following year. What amount can Richard deduct as real property taxes for the current year

Answer 1

Richard can deduct $1600 as real property tax during the current year.Only the tax amount paid by the mortgage company from the escrow account to taxing authority can be claimed as deduction.