“Property Tax is deductible, as are charitable/church contributions.”
Yes, they are, but with the standard deduction at $12,950 this year (plus $1400 for us old coots), unless you’ve got a nice chunk of mortgage interest to claim you’ll be hard pressed to find enough. Over the years they’ve taken away deductions while raising the standard deduction. So, unless you’re self-employed, rich or in a special circumstance, you are better off going short form.
That’s why this is such a kick in the teeth. You’re going to have to jump through a lot of hoops and probably pay a tax preparer just to save a buck, maybe.
Better to just wince and pay.
If someone is in a high property tax state, and does the 10% tithe to church, it can add up, even without a mortgage.
But I agree, it’s kicking people in the teeth...