Form 1098

Definition

Form 1098 is the IRS information return used to report mortgage interest a lender or servicer received. It is a tax-reporting form, not a monthly mortgage statement and not tax advice.

In plain English

Each year, the company that received mortgage interest may send an IRS form that reports that interest. That form is Form 1098. A mortgage statement shows ongoing payment activity. A year-end statement may accompany or point to the 1098. This page is the IRS form identity. It does not say what a borrower may deduct.

Technical definition

The IRS official Form 1098 page is PRIMARY. It identifies the form as the mortgage-interest information return.

Why it matters

Borrowers often treat the 1098 as a mortgage statement or as proof of a deduction. It is a reporting form.

Sources reviewed

Important note

Do not give tax advice or current deductibility rules.