Can I deduct interest from a boat loan if it has a bed, toilet and stove? How can I be sure it's a "second home"?

[User 122097]

Do I need and official Form 1098 from the bank? Or is a bank statement sufficient documentation?

[PeterM · Accepted solution]

Yes.

From the IRS...

For you to take a home mortgage interest deduction, your debt must be secured by a qualified home. This means your main home or your second home. A home includes a house, condominium, cooperative, mobile home, house trailer, boat, or similar property that has sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities. A second home is a home that you choose to treat as your second home.

Deduct home mortgage interest that was not reported to you on Form 1098 on Schedule A (Form 1040), line 11.

Please see the following link for more information IRS Publication 936 (click here)

[spyder1100101]

I have a boat and deducting the interest, it says to do it on schedule A line 11.  I click on line 11 and it opens up my charitable contributions, this isn't a charitable contribution. or am I just supposed to list it as one and add it to line 11?

[fanfare]

"am I just supposed to list it as one and add it to line 11"

Now you're being silly.

But so is TurboTax.

[spyder1100101]

hence why I asked the question.  the directions are ambiguous at best and can't get a hold of someone to save my life. 

[RobertB4444]

The line numbers on the forms change a lot - sometimes from year to year.  Line 11 is for charitable donations, line 8a is for mortgage interest.  Deduct the interest on your boat on line 8a.  At least for this year.