Imputed Mortgage Income & Possible Exemptions

[iamnotacat]

Hi everyone! I’m trying to understand “imputed income” for a mortgage. Specifically, under what circumstances—if any—imputed income might be tax-exempt.

• I own and live in my primary residence, for which my employer provides a below-market (subsidized) mortgage. I’m aware this arrangement creates “imputed income.”
• I’ve heard there might be certain exemptions or thresholds for imputed income that could prevent it from being taxable.

I’d like to figure out if any of these exemptions or thresholds apply and, more importantly, where in TurboTax I would enter—or exclude—this imputed interest. If anyone has navigated a similar situation or can point me to the relevant IRS publications, I’d greatly appreciate the help!

Thanks in advance!

[MaryK4]

Two common exceptions are: 

• Compensation-related loans under $10,000 are exempt if the lender can demonstrate that tax avoidance wasn't the purpose of the loan.  
• If your employer is a mortgage provider, and a similar discount would be available to regular customers, you would not be required to report imputed interest income.  

Normally, it would be your responsibility to determine the imputed income (using IRS interest rates) and report the income.  Some employers will provide the information on your W2.  If you are looking to use exception for the discount available to customers, the best substantiation would be any documents that your employer would have that would show what discounts would be available- a letter provided by the employer is good, but better is any public-facing documents that show that a discounted rate may be available to certain individuals.

See IRS Tax Rules for Imputed Interest.  If I find any additional helpful resources, I will post them for you. 

[iamnotacat]

Thank you very much!