Can I deduct property tax and mortgage interest on a co-owned (joint tenant, names on both mortgage and deed) house with my child?

[xiqyang]

1) The property is the primary residence for my child who is single, and I have my primary residence (separate mortgage and property tax) with my spouse. 2) I paid the down payment on the second house and the property payment in 2017, and my child paid the mortgage. 3) My child can take the standard deduction, but I file jointly with spouse using itemization. I am wondering what is the best to do for 2017 tax return and also for the future. I am worried that my child did not directly put in for the down payment and it would complicate things. Thanks!

[KrisD · Accepted solution]

If you are on the loan and the deed of the home, you may claim the interest and taxes that you paid. Your child could claim the interest and taxes that he paid, although taking the standard deduction means those deductions would not be reported. If you did not pay the interest or taxes, you cannot claim them. 

CLICK HERE for IRS Pub 936 Home Mortgage Interest Deduction

[xiqyang]

The purchase was made in late November last year so there was little interest. For the future, my child can deduct the interest even though he did not pay the down payment?
In my situation, can I deduct all the 2017 taxes since I paid all (in December)?

[KrisD]

Yes and Yes. If you are both on the deed and both on the loan, either can claim depending on who makes the payments. You making the down payment does not matter.