With the deadline for filing federal tax returns looming, Congressman Marsha Blackburn is urging all Tennesseans to take advantage of a recent legislation that allows the deduction of state and local sales taxes on their federal tax returns.

The Estate Tax and Extension of Tax Relief Act, championed by Blackburn in 2006, extends the Federal Sales Tax Deduction through 2007. Under this law, Tennesseans can continue to deduct their state sales tax payments on federal tax returns.

"The last thing the American taxpayer wants to do is send more of their hard-earned money to Washington," said Rep. Blackburn. "I am pleased to have been at the forefront in pushing this legislation because its impact can be felt immediately. Simply put, this law helps the Tennessee taxpayer keep more of their money instead of sending it to the federal government. And that is always a good thing.

"Tax relief is not only a good thing for our economy; its great for Tennessee's Main Street as hundreds of millions of dollars are pumped back into our local economies."

The IRS will begin processing tax returns that claim the key tax provisions that were enacted in December. For more information on how and where to file these returns go to:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=165779,00.html?portlet=2