Mortgage Interest Deduction with unmarried partner

[qc95]

My boyfriend and I just purchased a home together this year and are unsure who would benefit most from the mortgage interest and points tax deduction.  We are both in the same tax bracket, but I make more. The rest of our deductions are about the same. Both of us are on the mortgage and 1098 form, but my name is listed first on both documents (not sure if that matters either).

I pay the mortgage from my personal checking account each month, and then he reimburses me for half each month, so I'm not even sure if he can claim it if he wanted to.

I want to know if he can claim the mortgage interest and points, and if so, who would benefit the most by claiming them?

[DianeW777]

There is clear language on who is allowed to deduct the mortgage interest when a home is jointly owned.  Retain the records showing how it was paid and for showing the joint payments.  A bank record would suffice for payments and deposits of the co-owner.  I

• The 1098 has multiple names and multiple people are paying the mortgage/interest: 
  • Each can deduct their portion of interest paid. When entering the 1098 only enter the amount that you actually paid, not the full amount.
• For more details about how deductions for a jointly owned property are allowed to be used on each owner's return.
  • How do I deduct mortgage interest if I co-owned the home?
  • IRS Publication 936

[qc95]

Great thanks!  is there anything i need to upload to turbo tax to explain this, or can i just input the values i personally paid?

[Vanessa A]

You will just input the values you actually paid.