Rental Expenses (continued)

Mortgage Interest and Property Taxes (continued)

In general, taxpayers use Schedule A to report the portion of the mortgage interest and property taxes that apply to the use of their home. That portion can be based on a percentage of time (4 months as a residence and 8 months as a rental) or based on an area (1,500 sq. ft. as a residence and 500 sq. ft. as the rental portion). For the part of the year and/or the portion of the home that is rented out, taxpayers report rental income and expenses (including a portion of the mortgage interest, property taxes, and other expenses that relate to the rental time/portion of the home) on Schedule E.

If any part of the property tax is designated for local benefits that increase the value of the property, such as maintaining streets and sidewalks, that portion of the tax is added to the basis of the property rather than claiming it as an ordinary rental expense or an itemized deduction.

Mortgage interest is reported to the taxpayer on Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement. This statement may also include property taxes. If it does not, the taxpayer will have a document from the local taxing authority.

Generally, mortgage interest expense is fully deductible. However, refer taxpayers with rental-related interest expenses other than mortgage interest to a professional tax preparer.