Your lender mails or emails your 1098 form by January 31 each year

Your mortgage lender is required to send you a Form 1098 by January 31 if you paid $600 or more in mortgage interest during the previous year. Most lenders mail it to the address on file with your loan, though some offer electronic delivery through their online banking portal or email.

If you have not received your 1098 by early February, contact your lender's customer service line. They can confirm whether it was mailed, resend it, or provide the information you need to file your taxes on time. Keep the form with your tax documents — you will need the mortgage interest amount when you file.

Key Takeaways

  • Your lender must send your 1098 by January 31 of the year after you paid the interest.
  • The form goes to the mailing address on your loan account unless you have set up electronic delivery.
  • If you paid less than $600 in mortgage interest, your lender may not send a 1098, but you can still deduct the interest if you itemize.
  • Contact your lender directly if your 1098 does not arrive by mid-February, rather than waiting.
  • You can request an electronic copy or have future forms sent to a different address by updating your account settings.

How to request your 1098 if it did not arrive

Start by logging into your lender's online account or calling their customer service number. Have your loan number ready. Ask them to confirm the mailing address on file and whether the form was already sent. If it was sent but you did not receive it, they can issue a duplicate.

If the address is wrong, update it in your account and ask them to resend the form. Some lenders can email a copy when ready while others mail a replacement, which takes a few business days. If you are close to your tax filing important date, ask if they can provide the interest amount over the phone so you can file on time and follow up with the physical form later.

Checking your lender's online portal for a digital copy

Many large lenders now post the 1098 in your online account before mailing the paper version. Log in to your mortgage servicer's website and look for a section labeled "Documents," "Tax Forms," "Statements," or "1098." The form is usually available by late January.

If you find it there, you can read and print it or save it as a PDF. Some lenders allow you to opt out of paper mail entirely and receive all statements and tax forms electronically. Check your account settings or contact customer service to set this up for future years.

What to do if your lender says you do not may have access to for a 1098

Your lender is only required to send a 1098 if you paid $600 or more in mortgage interest during the year. If you paid less — for example, if you just closed on your home in December — they may not issue one. However, you can still deduct the interest you paid if you itemize deductions on your tax return.

Ask your lender for a written statement showing the exact amount of interest you paid that year. You can use this document to support your deduction when you file. Keep records of all mortgage statements from that year as backup.

Handling a 1098 with incorrect information

Review your 1098 carefully when it arrives. Check that your name, address, and loan number match your records. Verify the mortgage interest amount against your monthly statements — add up the interest portion from each payment to confirm the total.

If you find an error, contact your lender when ready with the correct information. They will issue a corrected form, usually labeled as a "corrected 1098" or "1098-C." Request that they send the corrected version to you and to the IRS. File your taxes using the corrected form once you receive it.

Keeping your contact information current with your lender

The easiest way to receive your 1098 on time is to make sure your lender has your correct mailing address and email on file. Update these details whenever you move or change your contact information. Many lenders allow you to make these changes online in your account settings.

If you prefer electronic delivery, check whether your lender offers paperless statements and tax forms. Opting in means your 1098 arrives faster and you have a digital backup. You can usually switch back to paper mail at any time if your situation changes.

What happens if you file taxes before receiving your 1098

If your tax important date is approaching and your 1098 has not arrived, you have options. You can file your return using an estimate of your mortgage interest based on your monthly statements, then file an amended return once you receive the actual form. Alternatively, you can request an extension from the IRS to give yourself more time.

The IRS understands that lenders sometimes mail forms late. If you file with an estimated amount and the actual 1098 shows a different figure, the difference is usually small enough that it does not trigger an audit. Keep the 1098 when it arrives and attach it to your records in case the IRS asks questions later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my 1098 before January 31?

Most lenders do not issue the 1098 until late January because they need time to process the previous year's payments. Some lenders post it to your online account in mid-January, but the official important date is January 31. If you need the information earlier, ask your lender for a year-to-date interest statement instead.

What if I paid off my mortgage during the year?

Your lender will still send a 1098 for the interest you paid before the payoff date. The form will show only the interest from January through whenever you paid off the loan. You can deduct this amount on your tax return for that year.

Do I need the 1098 to deduct mortgage interest?

You do not legally need the physical form to deduct mortgage interest, but the IRS expects you to have documentation. If you paid less than $600 in interest or your lender did not send a form, you can still deduct the interest using your mortgage statements as proof. Keep those statements with your tax records.

Can my spouse get a copy of the 1098 if we both own the home?

The lender sends the 1098 to the primary borrower on the loan. If both spouses are on the mortgage, ask your lender to send a copy to the other spouse's address or email. You can also request a duplicate copy for your records.

What if I refinanced my mortgage during the year?

You will receive two 1098 forms — one from your original lender for the interest paid before the refinance, and one from your new lender for the interest paid after. Add both amounts together when you deduct mortgage interest on your tax return.