Legal Question in Tax Law in California
Claiming Mortgage Interest on Taxes
I live in a home owned by my father (used to be us both on title, now just him. I dropped off and wont go back on till i am divorced) I pay the mortgage thru a checking account i share with my father. Cant I claim the mortgage interest on my taxes since I pay it??
Asked on 3/24/08, 10:29 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Donald Field
Donald L. Field, Jr., Attorney at Law
Re: Claiming Mortgage Interest on Taxes
no. you must have an ownership interest in the property to deduct interest and taxes. see:
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p936/ar02.html#d0e537
there are additional issues which this step will raise related to estate planning, federal gift taxes and real property tax exclusions. you should have consulted a tax attorney before the property was changed to your father's name.
Answered on 3/25/08, 11:58 am