Thank you for the response.
The Escrow Analysis Statement very clearly defines what was actually paid compared to what was planned, in addition to the cushion which my lender requires. So, the actual amount paid on the statement is actually all I need to know...and compare to my 1098.
After reviewing my Escrow Adjustment, the refund I received was because I did not pay any property taxes in 2021 because the Tax Assessment was never completed on my new build. I suspect that the county missed it because it was a new build and due to COVID complications. I contacted the auditors office and they assured me that I would not owe any back taxes since they did not conduct the Tax Assessment in 2021. I will gladly take tax the full amount of property taxes in my wallet compared to the portion that is tax deductible. Of course, I will keep all of my documentation in case I receive unexpected back taxes from the county after the assessment is completed.
As a first time homeowner, I also confused mortgage insurance (which I don't have) with homeowner's insurance which is not tax deductible ,so all-in-all, my 1098 was correct in stating that I did not have any property tax or mortgage insurance to deduct on my taxes.
Important lesson in reviewing the escrow analysis statement from my lender, which I originally received in November and did not realize the tax implications at the time.
