I'm getting a question after inputting my 1098, asking "What was the outstanding loan balance on January 1st, 2022? If you paid this off in 2021 enter the balance on the day you paid it off" I have not paid it off. My question is the "outstanding loan balance" the same as my "outstanding principal balance"? And if so, why is it asking for the information again when I entered my "outstanding principal balance" as noted in box 2 of my 1098 already.
Online, I saw a similar question asked and the answer was that the "outstanding loan balance" is different because it includes interest, etc. but when I reached out to my Mortgage lender, they said it's the same.
Any clarification/help is much appreciated.
