Can I deduct mortgage interest if someone else paid it?

[kevin2]

Taxpayer owns house and has name on mortgage, but parents made payments for one year.  I know parents are not entitled to mortgage interest deductions (they have no ownership interest).   Is taxpayer, who paid nothing that year, entitled to the deduction?    Does the situation change if parents gifted the money to taxpayer, who then paid mortgage directly?

[fanfare · Accepted solution]

You can't deduct mortgage interest you did not pay.

"Does the situation change if parents gifted the money to taxpayer, who then paid mortgage directly?"

Yes.