Form 1098

• If you paid more than $600 in mortgage interest during the year, the holder of your loan should send you a Form 1098, and it should arrive on or before Jan. 31 of the following year. Your mortgage holder is also required to send a copy of this form to the IRS. The form lists how much interest you paid during the year, and if you paid mortgage insurance. According to the IRS, mortgage insurance is deductible if it is taken out in connection with home acquisition debt and the insurance contract was issued after 2006. You also must have adjusted gross income of less than $100,000 ($50,000 if your filing status is married filing separately), or the amount of your mortgage insurance premiums that you can deduct can be reduced or eliminated.
  
  

Delayed Form

• If Jan. 31 passes, and you haven't received your Form 1098 from your lender, call the company and request the form. If you don't claim this interest with the IRS, you'll be missing out on one of the primary financial advantages of owning a home.
  
  

More Information

• If you need more information on Form 1098, visit the IRS website, or call the IRS at (800) 829-1040. You also can contact your mortgage lender or your tax preparer.