Kirk and Lorna Newbold purchased a new home on August 1 of year 1 for $300,000. At the time of the purchase, it was estimated that the real property tax rate for the year would be .5 percent of the property's value. Because the taxing jurisdiction collects taxes on a July 1 year-end, it was estimated that the Newbolds would be required to pay $1,375 in property taxes for the property tax year relating to August through June of year 2 ($300,000 × .005 × 11/12). The seller would be required to pay the $125 for July of year 1. Along with their monthly payment of principal and interest, the Newbolds paid $125 to the mortgage company to cover the property taxes. The mortgage company placed the money in escrow and used the funds in the escrow account to pay the property tax bill in July of year 2. The Newbolds' itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction before considering property taxes.
a. How much in property taxes can the Newbolds deduct for year 1?
b. How much in property taxes can the Newbolds deduct for year 2?
c. Assume the original facts except that the Newbolds were not able to collect $125 from the Seller for the property taxes for July of year 1. How much in property taxes can the Newbolds deduct for year 1 and year 2?
d. Assume the original facts except that the tax bill for July 1 of year 1 through June 30 of year 2 turned out to be $1,200 instead of $1,500. How much in property taxes can the Newbolds deduct in year 1 and year 2?