Should you itemize deductions to claim the interest paid on a mortgage?

You should itemize your deduction only if your itemized deductions will exceed your standard deduction which is as follows:

The standard deduction for 2024 (taxes filed in 2025) is:

$14,600 for single filers and married people filing separately, 

$21,900 for heads of household, and 

$29,200 for those Married Filing Jointly and surviving spouses.

If you are filing single than your itemized deductions may exceed your standard deduction. You can enter them into TurboTax and the program will determine which is best for you. Also, you should enter them because some states allow deductions for these even if you do not itemize.