@jlrinard
OK....If you are working on your 2019 tax return, that box 3 entry for the Form 1098, is actually the balance on 1/1/2019
….ie at the start of 2019, before you paid it off.
If you had your 1098 already, you'd see that it is, or should be, a positive-bigger number. If you don't have your 1098 yet, just estimate a number for now, and Make Sure you return to the form in January to correct it.
____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*
