One spouse has W-2, other spouse is self employed with home office. Why does Turbotax not allow mortgage interest deduction for the home office?

[neilhogg-]

On the Home Office Expenses summary page, "Mortgage Interest" line shows 0 for both "Entire Home" and "Home Office", and editing is not possible.

I have searched policy, and read that the self-employed spouse is allowed by IRS to claim mortgage interest deduction on the home office that this spouse uses. But how do I enter it in Turbotax?

[Vanessa A]

In order to claim a portion of your mortgage interest for your home office, you will need to select actual expenses and NOT the simplified deduction.  The question after Business conducted in home office will ask you which method you would like to use to claim the home office deduction, because screens change based on entries, yours may be a few questions later, but If you select "I'll enter actual expenses spreadsheet style, you will be able to enter your mortgage interest.  This will be prorated based on the percet of the home that is used for the home office.  You cannot claim the entire interest amount, only the amount that is equal to the home office percent.