@Opus 17 wrote:
"That means that if you file separately ("married filing separately"), either spouse can deduct the mortgage interest and property taxes, even if only one spouse paid them."
However, the IRS says: "However, if only one of you is eligible for a deduction for an expense (for example, real estate taxes on a property owned only by the eligible spouse), only the spouse who is eligible for the deduction is allowed to claim it, even if the expense is paid from joint funds."
https://www.irs.gov/faqs/itemized-deductions-standard-deduction/other-deduction-questions/other-dedu...
Of course, all this is a non-issue if the couple files a joint return.
**Answers are correct to the best of my ability but do not constitute tax or legal advice.
