Mortgage interest tax question

Mortgage interest tax question

Member since 2020 · 1 post · 0 votes

My partner and I are closing on our first home and I have come across a question for tax purposes. Originally, we wanted to purchase the home in an LLC, however, the the rate would have been substantially higher. It would have still been profitable, but we attempted to close on several homes and we kept getting rejected because the mortgage broker needed 60 days instead of 30 to get the loan closed. This is because as a first time home buyer you need an exemption to purchase in an LLC.

So we changed strategies. We are getting the loan in our own names (putting in the title in our own names) and will transfer it later on. I understand there is a risk that the bank can force a refi because we are not supposed to transfer title to an LLC. However, it looks as if this is the only way we will be able to close on a home and it also makes the interest rate substantially better.

The question I have is that the Form 1098 that has the interest deduction will have my name and my social instead of the LLCs name and EIN. The mortgage broker stated that because the loan is in our names the 1098 will be in our names. The approach I am thinking of taking is to not take the deduction on our personal returns. But rather, to take it on the 1065 for the LLC partnership return. This way it will flow through to our personal returns. Ultimately, it is the same result, however, I would like to know if this is something anyone has come across before.

Specifically, if anyone had taken my approach and has been challenged by the IRS. Thank you.

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  • Accountant · Vancouver, WA · Member since 2019 · 100 posts · 71 votes
    6y

    Matching the interest deduction with the property is the way to go. Meaning you will be filling out Form 8825 for each property and will be putting the interest deduction that matches with that property. 

  • Accountant, Enrolled Agent · Grayslake, IL · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Binyamin Pinhas:

    My partner and I are closing on our first home and I have come across a question for tax purposes. Originally, we wanted to purchase the home in an LLC, however, the the rate would have been substantially higher. It would have still been profitable, but we attempted to close on several homes and we kept getting rejected because the mortgage broker needed 60 days instead of 30 to get the loan closed. This is because as a first time home buyer you need an exemption to purchase in an LLC.

    So we changed strategies. We are getting the loan in our own names (putting in the title in our own names) and will transfer it later on. I understand there is a risk that the bank can force a refi because we are not supposed to transfer title to an LLC. However, it looks as if this is the only way we will be able to close on a home and it also makes the interest rate substantially better.

    The question I have is that the Form 1098 that has the interest deduction will have my name and my social instead of the LLCs name and EIN. The mortgage broker stated that because the loan is in our names the 1098 will be in our names. The approach I am thinking of taking is to not take the deduction on our personal returns. But rather, to take it on the 1065 for the LLC partnership return. This way it will flow through to our personal returns. Ultimately, it is the same result, however, I would like to know if this is something anyone has come across before.

    Specifically, if anyone had taken my approach and has been challenged by the IRS. Thank you.

     The first question is what is the use of the home? 
    Is the partner a spouse?
    Is it going to be a rental?

    If so, then yes, you need a detailed memorandum explaining why it could not be titled to the LLC and explain that you are reporting it on the LLC's Tax return. . Otherwise you could skip the LLC, insure it well and simple each split your portion on your Schedule E and avoid the partnership return.

    This can be a fairly common situation. As long as you document, document, document you won't have any major issues. 

  • Carl FischerPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Ambler, PA · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    6y

    @Binyamin Pinhas

    It is possible to do what you ask. I doubt very seriously if the bank will call the loan Because of name change. Your overall tax plan should be discussed with your cpa as well as your asset protection attorney. Almost anything can be accomplished based on your goals- but bring in the professionals early as they see many different situations. What works today may change in the future due to laws and technology, not to mention your particular situation and goals.  

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