Why is my mortgage interest paid and RPT = $12,872, but Turbotax is claiming they only equal around $7,500?

[AmyC]

Please review the qualifications to deduct it all Can I deduct my mortgage? and review your answers. It sounds like the program is limiting you.

[NCperson]

what is the balance of your mortgage(s)?  if there are any HELOCs / cash out refis was all the money used to improve your home ? 

[suzanne777702]

Thanks NC! I finally figured it out. In TT, it asks if Box 7 of the 1098 is "checked" but it doesn't say anything about Box 8. While Box 7 isn't "checked" per se, and I originally clicked "No"I had another look at the 1098 and it DOES state that the loan is secured with the address in Box 8.  I went back and corrected Box 7 to a "Yes". Just an interpretation issue. While the standard deduction in my case is higher than the deductions for the 1040, the latter are still allowed on my State Tax Return, thus reducing State tax obligations. Yea!