I am separated and unfortunately we cannot agree on tax liability. We will be Married Filing Separately. At issue is the deduction on home mortgage related interest and real estate taxes. We are both owners of the property and liable on the mortgage. I pay the mortgage through automatic payments from my checking account. This account is not joint.
My question is: How much can each of us claim as itemized deductions?
Her accountant says that because we both own the property each is entitled to 50% of the deductions. I believe that because I make the payments I am entitled to claim all the interest and all the real estate taxes on my federal return.