Do I have to itemize deductions to deduct mortgage interest on a house?

I am planning to buy a house in the state of washington in year 2010. Since I don't have mortgage, I take the standard deduction now and I am wondering if I can keep doing it next year and still deduct my mortgage interest payments.Do I have to itemize deductions to deduct mortgage interest on a house?
Only if you itemize deductions. Property taxes are also deductible.Do I have to itemize deductions to deduct mortgage interest on a house?
You must itemize to claim the mortgage interest deduction. You should figure it both ways and go with whichever way results in the lowest total tax liability.
when you buy the house you will probably have enough to itemize, thereby utilizing other deductions you didn't consider when you file standard deduction
If you live in the house, then you must itemize deductions to deduct mortgage interest and cannot take both the standard deduction and the mortgage interest deductions. If it is an investment property that you rent out to someone else, then I am not sure.
Yes, it is itemized deduction.


You can also deduct Mortgage insurance premiums with respect to mortgage insurance contracts on line 13 of schedule A. This deduction is available from year 2007 through year 2010. Box 4 of Form 1098 may show the amount of premium you paid in 2009.
No





You either take the standard, or itemize to take the property tax and interest. Whichever is higher. And since you are itemizing, you can put down your dental, medical (not covered by insurance), charity, etc and see how that works for you.