[Esel Mann]

Chocaholic,

Here in FLA it is similar, they send out the bill in October. Then depending upon when you pay, you get a discount. Max. discount is obtained if you pay in by November, and no discount if you pay in during March (the following year). Pro-rated for any other month in between November and March.

For us, the when we had a mortgage, the mortgage administrator always paid in November. As such it showed up in the Form 1098 for the year in which it was actually paid. It was subsequently deducted in that year by our accountant on our Federal return. Once the loan was paid off, we assumed direct responsibility for paying the property taxes and continued to do so in November so that we continued to receive the maximum possible discount. Again, the accountant deducted it in the year paid on our federal return.

If you pay the property taxes yourself, the only time frame where there could be confusion is at the end of the year. Eg. you write the check and put it in the mail this year, and it is actually cashed in the following year.

If you have an accountant or someone who does your returns give them a call or send them an e-mail.