MichaelMc
New Member

Deductions & credits

Yes. If you and your wife use filing status Married Filing Separately, you are the only person who could claim the mortgage interest and property tax deductions.

In order to claim either of these deductions, it is not sufficient that you paid the expense; you must also be liable for the expense. Since your wife is not named on either the deed or the mortgage note, she is not liable for payment of property taxes or repayment of the mortgage.

Please keep in mind the requirement that if spouses file separately, they must both itemize deductions or both take the standard deduction. If you have the largest share of the itemized deductions, your spouse could be in a situation where she is forced to itemize with an amount that is far less than the standard deduction and will pay significantly more tax on her income. You will want to try completing your taxes both ways and determine which gives you the best result as a family.

If you do choose to amend your 2017 tax return, please see: Video: How to Amend My Tax Return


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