Originally Posted by
griff312
I know for 2017 you should be able to itemize the deduction. But for 2018 and forward, I don't think you can, unless you can still beat the new (higher) standard deduction. But also keep in mind, you can't deduct as many things under the new plan, that you could before. But as someone wlse already said, this is a unique situation, so you may need to consult a tax attorney.
Talk to a CPA. A tax attorney is overkill. If you received the payment in one year and repay it in the next, the rules changed with the new tax law. You need to talk with someone who knows what to do. More than likely, as I have seen with the tax law, you are screwed.