In Fed tax for 8396 box 2 asks for "credit rate"(in %) from my "mortgage credit certificate". I believe that is the same Form 1098 given to me by my Escrow handling company. The Form 1098 has a row which shows "Box 1: Int. & Late Fee: " and then shows how much I have paid over the year. Then it says "Box 2: " and shows nothing. I called my Escrow company and asked them why this was blank and should it have a percentage number between 10-50% next to it. They (she) responded (after being on hold for a little bit) that they were not responsible for the information I was requesting.

Is there another place I should be looking for the Fed Form 8396 Box 2 information or is it notably absent from my escrow company issued Form 1098?

The Mortgage Credit is taken from your Mortgage Credit Certificate issued by the county.

“Is there another place I should be looking for the Fed Form 8396 Box 2 information or is it notably absent from my escrow company issued Form 1098?”--->I guess you can contact your local goverment agency that issued it;perhaps your state Dept of Housing and Community Affairs.