Question - In 2010, for federal income tax purposes, Donald paid and deducted California income tax of $9,500. When the California income tax return was filed in mid March 2011, the return indicated that Donald would receive a $1,500 refund of California income tax. Donald received this refund later in the same month. Is the California refund a taxable income for 2011?
Can you describe the tax benefit rule in your own words?