general sales tax
(5) General sales taxes For purposes of subsection (a)— (A) Election to deduct State and local sales taxes in lieu of State and local income taxes At the election of the taxpayer for the taxable year, subsection (a) shall be applied— (i) without regard to the reference to State and local income taxes, and (ii) as if State and local general sales taxes were referred to in a paragraph thereof. (B) Definition of general sales tax The term “general sales tax” means a tax imposed at one rate with respect to the sale at retail of a broad range of classes of items. (C) Special rules for food, etc. In the case of items of food, clothing, medical supplies, and motor vehicles— (i) the fact that the tax does not apply with respect to some or all of such items shall not be taken into account in determining whether the tax applies with respect to a broad range of classes of items, and (ii) the fact that the rate of tax applicable with respect to some or all of such items is lower than the general rate of tax shall not be taken into account in determining whether the tax is imposed at one rate. (D) Items taxed at different rates Except in the case of a lower rate of tax applicable with respect to an item described in subparagraph (C), no deduction shall be allowed under this paragraph for any general sales tax imposed with respect to an item at a rate other than the general rate of tax. (E) Compensating use taxes A compensating use tax with respect to an item shall be treated as a general sales tax. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term “compensating use tax” means, with respect to any item, a tax which— (i) is imposed on the use, storage, or consumption of such item, and (ii) is complementary to a general sales tax, but only if a deduction is allowable under this paragraph with respect to items sold at retail in the taxing jurisdiction which are similar to such item. (F) Special rule for motor vehicles In the case of motor vehicles, if the rate of tax exceeds the general rate, such excess shall be disregarded and the general rate shall be treated as the rate of tax. (G) Separately stated general sales taxes If the amount of any general sales tax is separately stated, then, to the extent that the amount so stated is paid by the consumer (other than in connection with the consumer’s trade or business) to the seller, such amount shall be treated as a tax imposed on, and paid by, such consumer. (H) Amount of deduction may be determined under tables (i) In general At the election of the taxpayer for the taxable year, the amount of the deduction allowed under this paragraph for such year shall be— (I) the amount determined under this paragraph (without regard to this subparagraph) with respect to motor vehicles, boats, and other items specified by the Secretary, and (II) the amount determined under tables prescribed by the Secretary with respect to items to which subclause (I) does not apply. (ii) Requirements for tables The tables prescribed under clause (i)— (I) shall reflect the provisions of this paragraph, (II) shall be based on the average consumption by taxpayers on a State-by-State basis (as determined by the Secretary) of items to which clause (i)(I) does not apply, taking into account filing status, number of dependents, adjusted gross income, and rates of State and local general sales taxation, and (III) need only be determined with respect to adjusted gross incomes up to the applicable amount (as determined under section 68(b) ).