In: Accounting
Patricia purchased a home on January 1, 2017 for $1,250,000 by making a down payment of $100,000 and financing the remaining $1,150,000 with a 30-year loan, secured by the residence, at 6 percent. During 2017-2019, Patricia made interest-only payments on the loan of $69,000. What amount of the $69,000 interest expense that Patricia paid during 2019 may she deduct as an itemized deduction?
a - $0
b - $9,000
c - $60,000
d - $69,000
Facts of the case
Date of purchase = Jan 1, 2017 (very important)
Value = 1,250,000 but mortgage is limited to 1,150,000
Interest = 6%
Relevant provision / law
A deduction is allowed on the interest but it is capped at
750,000 (principal value) of indebtedness.
However, the limit is 1,000,000 if the indebtedness is before
December 16, 2017
Applicability and conclusion
In the given case, the purchase is before December 16, 2017. Higher limit is available
So the correct answer is 6% X 1,000,000 = 60,000 Option C