Can points paid on purchase be applied to California Deduction of Mortgage Interest?

[withea9]

The mortgage is for my primary residence.  The Federal Deduction includes the mortgage points, but Turbotax didn't include it in the State Deduction for California.  Turbotax is also warning me that my state deduction shouldn't be smaller than my federal deduction amount.

[carmen_t]

Hello and thank you for your question.  I just reviewed the CA adjustments schedule and based on Schedule CA section two under interest you paid it includes interest and points.  I would double check the input in federal to confirm.  You will note on the Schedule CA there is only a column for addtions not subtractions; therefore, the points paid should not be lower.  Another trouble shooting idea is to review California return in full to see if a specific interest and points section or review of 1098T entered in federal.  If your review does not resolve your question then I would recommend setting up a call back or chat so we have full access to all our tools to assist you better and resolve this for you.  Below is the Schedule CA link I referred too.

CA Schedule CA 

[JandKit]

HI withea9,

To add in my comments with those of others, I answer your initial question with a resounding 'YES'! California does allow for the points deduction and in fact, allows for the claiming of a larger deduction for mortgage interest than does the IRS. Hence, the reason for the message advises that it would be possible to have a larger mortgage interest deduction than shown on the Federal return!

Goodluck to you!