Filling married joint. Added mortgage interest and insurance. It did not give us a deduction, or didn't help a bigger return. Do you know why?

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

Mortgage interest paid, property taxes paid and mortgage insurance paid are all reported on Form 1040 Schedule A as itemized deductions.  Your total itemized deductions must be greater than the standard deduction for your filing status to have any tax benefit.

Standard deductions for 2016 

• Single - $6,300 add $1,550 if age 65 or older
• Married Filing Separately - $6,300 add $1,250 if age 65 or older
• Married Filing Jointly - $12,600 add $1,250 for each spouse age 65 or older
• Head of Household - $9,300 add $1,550 if age 65 or older