Mother and brother purchased house in 2017. Both names are on mortgage and loan. Mother pays all bills. She does not file. How does brother file house?

[pedro7375]

Does brother need to include the house on his taxes even though he does not contribute towards home?

[PaulaM · Accepted solution]

Ordinarily, when two people are on the loan and deed, then they can split the interest/taxes paid on their tax return if they both pay those expenses.

You indicated that the mother pays the mortgage and taxes for the home. Since she is the only one who paid, only she can deduct the expenses if she files a return and itemizes her deduction.

Unfortunately, even though brother is on the loan and deed, he cannot take the deduction. You can't take a deduction for expenses that you didn't incur. The brother has nothing to include on his tax return.