What Can I Deduct as Mortgage Interest?
You may deduct mortgage interest paid on loans used to buy, build, or substantially improve your home, subject to certain limits and requirements. The deduction is claimed on Schedule A (Form 1040) as an itemized deduction.
Eligible Loans
- Loans to buy, build, or improve your home: Interest on these loans is fully deductible if the loan proceeds were used for these purposes.
- Home equity loans: Interest is deductible only if the loan proceeds were used to buy, build, or substantially improve your home. If used for other purposes (e.g., paying off credit card debt or buying a car), the interest is not deductible.
Qualified Loan Limit
The total amount of mortgage debt for which you can deduct interest is limited. For loans taken out after December 15, 2017, the limit is $750,000 ($375,000 if married filing separately). This applies to loans secured by your primary residence or a second home.
Home Mortgage Points
Points paid to reduce the interest rate on a mortgage may be deductible if the loan was used to buy, build, or improve your home. These are typically deducted in full in the year paid, subject to certain conditions.
Reporting Requirements
- Use Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement) provided by your lender to report the amount of mortgage interest paid.
- Complete the Qualified Loan Limit Worksheet (found in Publication 936) if you need to determine the deductible portion of your mortgage interest.
Additional Considerations
- If you are claiming the standard deduction, you cannot claim mortgage interest deductions.
- Rental property owners must allocate mortgage interest between personal and rental use. Only the rental portion is deductible on Schedule E.
Source:
Publication 936 - Home Mortgage Interest Deduction
Schedule A (Form 1040) - Itemized Deductions
Publication 527 - Residential Rental Property
Publication 551 - Basis of Assets
Disclaimer: Always verify details with official IRS forms and instructions or consult a tax professional. OLT (Online Taxes) provides guidance based on retrieved information but does not offer tax advice.