Can you claim a deduction for your property tax on your tax return?

Taxpayers may claim a deduction for their property taxes on their income tax return, explains Turbo Tax. To qualify for the deduction, the taxpayer must own the property, and he can only claim the amounts he paid in the given tax year.

Property owners may deduct real estate taxes paid on property they own if the taxes are assess uniformly against all property under the jurisdiction of the taxing authority, explains the Internal Revenue Service. The taxes must be used for governmental or community purposes. Taxpayers may not deduct payments made for a service rendered or for a special privilege.