How do I obtain the Outstanding Mortgage Principal as of 12/31/2018?

[TaxedOut1]

My tax return is requiring me to enter the outstanding mortgage principal as of 12/31/2018. This information is not on the 1098 statement from my lender. How do I get it? And why do I need it since TurboTax is recommending I take the standard deduction?

[Leonard]

You should be able to find your outstanding principal balance as of 12/31/2018 on your January 2019 mortgage statement.  The starting balance for 2019 will be your ending balance for 2018

[TaxedOut1]

Thanks for the answer. Since we do electronic draft, guess we'll have to contact the lender. Also, leaves the open question is why TurboTax is requiring it if we're getting the standard deduction. Seems like I'm doing extra work to get unnecessary information.