Live in coop. Can I use info in box 2 & 3 of form 1098 as tax write-off?

[ToddL · Accepted solution]

If you received a Form 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement and are itemizing deductions, you can claim a deduction for mortgage interest (Box 1), mortgage insurance premiums (Box 5), and points paid (Box 6) that are reported on the 1098. Also, you can deduct your share of property tax reported on the Form 1098.

(Box 2 (Outstanding mortgage principal as of 1/1/2018) and Box 3 (Mortgage origination date)  are not items that qualify for a deduction).

[user144419]

What is purpose of boxes 2 & 3?

[ToddL]

New reporting requirement from IRS. It allows them to see if you refinanced and may be improperly claiming a mortgage interest deduction.