Question

Patricia purchased a home on January 1, 2017 for $1,420,000 by making a down payment of $100,000 and financing the remaining $1,320,000 with a 30-year loan, secured by the residence, at 6 percent. During year 2017 and 2018, Patricia made interest-only payments on the loan of $79,200. What amount of the $79,200 interest expense Patricia paid during 2018 may she deduct as an itemized deduction

Answer 1

Answer: $60,000

Explanation:

The maximum amount deductible is based on a mortgage of $1,000,000 and the interest rate of the mortgage being paid.

Interest on $1,000,000 at 6% is:

= 6% * 1,000,000

= $60,000

Only $60,000 of the $79,200 may be deducted.