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From: rib@arrow.UUCP (RI Block)
Newsgroups: net.taxes
Subject: Re: deducting refinancing points
Message-ID: <245@arrow.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 14-Mar-86 12:43:03 EST
Article-I.D.: arrow.245
Posted: Fri Mar 14 12:43:03 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 16-Mar-86 10:48:19 EST
References: <2c733a99.2a75@apollo.uucp>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Liberty Corner
Lines: 21

With regard to deducting points, I agree with the point of
view expressed by this article (N in a series?) namely:

    .......  the CORRECT answer to all such questions is
    this pearl of wisdom taught to me by my father:

        "When in doubt, deduct it!"

But I add the following advice, make sure the amount you report
as mortgage interest reconciles with what the bank reports.

Put the "points" on a separate line and just list the
name of the institution. I was advised not even to mark it special
as "points".

You can still be examined by the IRS and the examiner can
deny your exemption, but the status of points on a re-fi
seem cloudy enough to limit your potential liability to back taxes +
interest (e.g. not penalties).

Disclaimer: I'm not an accountant.