i paid delinquent state taxes in 2024. how do i deduct them?

If you are itemizing your deductions, you can enter your state taxes paid in 2024, regardless of which year they were for, by selecting the following:

1. Federal
2. Deductions and Credits
3. Other Income Taxes

If  you are not itemizing your return, you do not need to enter this on your return.

Itemized expenses include mortgage interest, gambling losses up to winnings,  charitable contributions, state and local taxes up to $10,000, medical expenses in excess of 7.5% of your AGI and casualty and losses in excess of 10% of you AGI with the first $100 not counting towards the loss.  

Then your total itemized expenses would need to be greater than your standard deduction below in order to benefit from your expenses. 

The 2024 Standard Deductions are as follows:

• Married Filing Joint (MFJ)              $29,200
• Married Filing Separate (MFS)      $14,600
• Head of Household (HOH)             $21,900 
• Single                                                 $14,600                                

Blind or over 65 and MFJ or MFS add $1,550

Single or HOH if blind or over 65 add $1,950

Standard versus Itemized Deduction