How do I answer the question, "Is this loan a home equity line of credit or a refinance of a previous loan?" with just yes or no? This is from the mortgage section?

[kylehalgren]

nvm.  This question needs rewording.

[JillS56]

A home equity line of credit or a refinance is referring to types of mortgage financing.   If you have equity in your home, you could apply for a home equity line of credit.   This is a loan that is available if you have major expenses for your home.   You only use what you need. 

A refinance is when someone refinances their home to either reduce their interest rate or possibly pull some of the equity out of the house for a major home repair or expenses.  

If the loan that you entered interest for is one of these types of loans answer YES.  If this is your original mortgage, then the answer is NO.

[EddyW]

It doesn't give a time frame of WHEN the refinance occurred? Was it last year or previous years? 20 Years ago? Does the time frame make a difference?

[BrittanyS]

Yes, the timeframe can matter.  For 2018-2025, a home equity loan or line of credit used on the home are deductible.  If the loan was not used for home purposes, such as to pay off debt, then it is not deductible. 

For home equity line loans or lines of credit prior to 2018, the interest paid is deductible no matter how you used the funds. 

Here is what the IRS states, "For tax years 2018 through 2025, if home equity loans or lines of credit secured by your main home or second home are used to buy, build, or substantially improve the residence, interest you pay on the borrowed funds is classified as home acquisition debt and may be deductible, subject to certain dollar limitations. However, interest on the same debt used to pay personal living expenses, such as credit card debts, is not deductible.

For tax years before 2018 and after 2025, for home equity loans or lines of credit secured by your main home or second home, interest you pay on the borrowed funds may be deductible, subject to certain dollar limitations, regardless of how you use the loan proceeds. For example, if you use a home equity loan or a line of credit to pay personal living expenses, such as credit card debts, you may be able to deduct the interest paid."

See the link below, for more information:

• Mortgage Interest

@EddyW