Federal Tax Question - CA

According to IRS Publ. 529, Miscellaneous Deductions, page 14, under the list of Nondeductible Expenses it includes `Fees and licenses, such as car licenses, marriage licenses, and dog tags'.
You can view this publication on www.irs.gov and search for it.

I wouldn't ask a bunch of RVers what deductions I could take on my taxes, any more than I'd ask a Federal Tax auditor what kind of RV to buy. I use Turbo Tax all the time. They even tell you that they'll go to an audit with you, but the only thing they can and will defend is their math, not what you choose to deduct.

IRS: "You're being audited for incorrect deductions."
Maria: "But the people on Rv net said it was ok."

Sloop Smitten wrote:
In CA the registration fee includes a license fee and tax. The tax is deductible. The license fee is not.

So are those the only two items in the registration? A VLF and a tax? If so, then I can figure out the tax by simply subtracting the VLF from the total registration amt ($75-$4=$71)

My TT registration paper doesn't break down my fees, unlike my passenger car registration paper. I logged into CA DMV and was able to type in my license plate and last 5 of the VIN to find out my VLF, which is a whopping $4 of the $75 I paid. The thing that got me thinking about my trailer being "personal property" is Turbo Tax's "help" blurbs stating RVs may be personal property. Otherwise I would have gone on in blissful ignorance and simply claimed the $4 VLF on my taxes under "car reg fees."

So to sum, the registration paper for my TT does break out any fees or taxes at all. Which might mean I am not allowed even toclaim the $4 VLF?! Bugger!

CloudDriver wrote:
I also use TurboTax. Just checked the "learn more" help items for both Car Registration Fees and Personal Property Tax. It says that the amount of vehicle related tax you can deduct should appear on your registration bill. According to CA.gov California does not charge personal property tax on vehicles.

Sloop Smitten wrote:
In CA the registration fee includes a license fee and tax. The tax is deductible. The license fee is not.

X2, that's my understanding.

Francesca Knowles wrote:

Allworth wrote:
Send Quicken (TT) an e-mail and ask THEM.

I'm not thinkin' Quicken is a good source for tax advice...I'd just ask the IRS if the fee is deductible.

Disagree completly

And I am a retired CPA

In CA the registration fee includes a license fee and tax. The tax is deductible. The license fee is not.

If it's for the yearly license tab....enter it in the " vehicle license fee (VLF) as a "car registration fee".

Allworth wrote:
Send Quicken (TT) an e-mail and ask THEM.

I'm not thinkin' Quicken is a good source for tax advice...I'd just ask the IRS if the fee is deductible.