Final answer:
Paul's allowable itemized deductions for 2017 total $39,200, which includes state income taxes, real estate taxes, and gambling losses up to the amount of the gambling gains.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine Paul's allowable itemized deductions for 2017, we add up the deductible expenses he incurred. First, we include state income taxes or state sales taxes, but not both. Since his state income taxes are higher at $13,500, we'll choose that for deduction. Next, we add the real estate taxes of $18,900. However, when it comes to gambling losses, we can only deduct the amount of gambling losses to the extent of the gambling gains. Since Paul's gambling gains were $12,000, we can deduct $6,800 in gambling losses. Therefore, Paul's total allowable itemized deductions for 2017 would be:
- State income taxes: $13,500
- Real estate taxes: $18,900
- Gambling losses (up to the amount of gains): $6,800
Total allowable itemized deductions: $13,500 + $18,900 + $6,800 = $39,200.