Question

When claiming married filing separately; mortgage interest is deducted by one person or both people?

Answer

When claiming married filing separately, mortgage interest would be claimed by the person who made the payment. Therefore, if one of you paid alone from your own account, that person can claim all of the mortgage interest and property taxes.

In most cases, if you paid the expenses with a joint account you must divide the expenses evenly. If you both were liable for and paid interest on your mortgage that was on a Form 1098, attach an explanation to your return. Include:

  • How much of the interest each of you paid
  • The name and address of the person who received the form

Deduct your share of the interest on Schedule A.

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