We bought a "new to us" car this year and I was told I can claim the tax on my taxes. Is this true? I also bought a brand new refridgerator...can I claim the tax I paid on this? Thanks...
You probably won't get any benefit from this.
The new law regarding deduction of sales tax on new cars only applies to brand new cars, not "used, but new to us" so that is out of the question.
If you itemize deductions on schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction you can choose to deduct either state income taxes paid, or state sales tax, but not both. For most people the income tax is better. If you do choose to take the sales tax deduction then you deduct an "average" amount based on your income and the local tax rate where you live. If you can prove that your actual taxes paid were higher than the "average" that the IRS formula produces, then you can take a deduction for the higher amount, but you should have receipts available to prove that you actually paid those taxes in case you're audited.
IF you itemize you have the choice of deducting state and local taxes, or sales tax. If you live somewhere with a state income tax and you pay it, chances are that's more than sales tax would be though. But if you chose sales tax, you can either save all your receipts for the year, or use a table the IRS provides for your state, income and family size. If you use the table, you can add the sales tax on the car (not on the fridge).
If the car had been a NEW car, not just new to you, this year you could claim the sales tax even if you don't itemize. But that doesn't apply to buying a used car.
There is a new deduction this year for the sales tax on a "new" car. You must be the original owner of the car. "New to us" isn't going to cut it.
If you itemize deductions, you can choose to deduct your state income taxes or your state sales taxes paid throughout the year. For most people, the income tax is usually higher.
One piece of advice: Stop taking tax advice from the salesperson trying to sell you something.
You may be able to use that on your state taxes depending on what state you are in. In Illinois for example, the state has a set "average" amount that they figure you spent on sales tax, but if you can prove that you spent more than that average number you use that. Do some research for your particular state or call your state's tax number (now, before it gets busy).