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Mortgage Interest: An Explanation of What It Is

Autore: Francesco Zinghinì | Data: 6 Dicembre 2025

Mortgage interest represents the cost the borrower pays for the loan received from the bank. In practice, it is the profit the bank makes for lending the money. Its amount is calculated by applying an interest rate, which can be fixed or variable, to the remaining principal balance to be repaid.

Mortgage Interest

Mortgage interest is therefore an essential component of the total cost of a loan. It is calculated based on the remaining principal and the applied interest rate, which, as mentioned, can be fixed or variable.

It represents a kind of “rent” that the bank charges for the temporary use of its money. Careful and knowledgeable management of this interest can make a significant difference in the total cost of the mortgage.

Calculating Interest in a French Amortization Mortgage

The calculation of interest in a French amortization mortgage is progressive. Initially, the interest portion you pay will be higher, while the principal portion will be smaller.

As time goes on and you continue to repay the loan, the principal portion will increase while the interest portion will decrease. This happens because interest is calculated on the remaining loan balance, which decreases with each payment made.

To calculate the monthly repayment amount, the mathematical formula for French amortization is used, which takes into account the interest rate, the loaned principal, and the number of payments.

Formula for Calculating Payments in a French Amortization Plan

The formula for calculating the payment of a mortgage with a French amortization plan is as follows:

R = C * (i/(1 – (1 + i) ^ -n))

Where:

  • R is the mortgage payment
  • C is the principal loaned
  • i is the periodic interest rate (annual rate divided by the number of payments per year)
  • n is the total number of payments

This formula allows you to calculate the constant payment (principal portion plus interest portion) that the borrower will have to pay each period. Remember, however, that the interest component will decrease over time, while the principal portion will increase.

Requirements for Claiming the Mortgage Interest Deduction

To be eligible for the mortgage interest deduction, certain specific requirements must be met:

  • The mortgage must have been taken out for the purchase or construction of a primary residence, or for major renovations;
  • The property must not be a luxury property, according to the categories identified by the Land Registry (Catasto);
  • The property must be intended as the primary residence for the applicant or their family.

It is important to note that the deduction also applies to mortgages taken out for the purchase of appurtenant garages or parking spaces, as long as they are located no more than one kilometer from the primary residence.

Remember, the deduction is an entitlement, but you must meet these conditions to be able to claim it.

Limit on the Mortgage Interest Deduction

Regarding the limit on the mortgage interest deduction, the maximum amount of deductible expenses is set at 4,000 euros per year.

This means you can deduct 19% of the mortgage interest, up to a maximum of 760 euros per year. It is crucial to remember that if you do not reach the 4,000 euro limit of interest paid in a year, the difference cannot be carried over to subsequent years.

In any case, we always recommend consulting a professional or a tax advisor for the correct application of the rules regarding the mortgage interest deduction.

Documentation to Keep for the Mortgage Interest Deduction

To claim the mortgage interest deduction, it is essential to keep a series of documents. These include:

  • The mortgage agreement, which certifies the signing of the mortgage and its terms.
  • The receipts for payments made, which prove the payment of interest.
  • The statement of mortgage interest paid issued by the bank, which indicates the amount of interest paid in the fiscal year.

Remember, keeping these documents is essential to prove your right to the deduction in case of any audits by the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate). It is always advisable to consult a tax advisor to ensure you comply with all regulations regarding the mortgage interest deduction.

Conclusion

In summary, the deductibility of mortgage interest can have a significant impact on your tax situation. However, there are multiple factors to consider, such as the type of property purchased with the mortgage, your income, and any changes in your tax situation.

Remember that the ability to deduct mortgage interest can be lost in several circumstances, for example, in the case of early mortgage repayment or the sale of the property. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a tax professional for personalized advice and to fully understand the potential implications of your financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mortgage interest?

Mortgage interest represents the profit the bank makes in exchange for the loan it provides. It is calculated based on the remaining principal of the mortgage and the applied interest rate. Therefore, it is the portion of the mortgage payment that does not reduce the outstanding debt but is paid to the bank as the cost of the loan.

How does mortgage interest work?

Mortgage interest functions as a kind of “cost” for the loan received from the bank. When you make a mortgage payment, you reduce the remaining debt and pay the cost of the loan. The calculation of mortgage interest is based on the remaining principal and the interest rate applied to the loan. Typically, at the beginning of the amortization schedule, the mortgage interest portion is higher and decreases over time, while the principal portion increases.

How is mortgage interest calculated?

Mortgage interest is calculated by multiplying the remaining mortgage principal by the interest rate. For example, if the remaining mortgage principal is €100,000 and the interest rate is 3%, the mortgage interest for that year will be €3,000. This is a simplified calculation and does not account for the monthly payments that are made, which reduce the remaining principal. Therefore, for a precise calculation of mortgage interest, it is advisable to use a mortgage amortization calculator or consult a financial advisor.

Where can you see the mortgage interest?

Mortgage interest can be viewed in the mortgage amortization schedule provided by the bank when the mortgage agreement is signed. In this document, each mortgage payment is broken down into principal and interest. You can see how much is paid to cover the cost of the loan (mortgage interest) and how much reduces the remaining principal. Additionally, mortgage interest is often indicated in the annual mortgage summary documents that the bank sends to the customer. It is always advisable to check these documents or contact your bank for clarification.

How to enter mortgage interest in the pre-filled 730 form?

To enter mortgage interest in the pre-filled 730 form, you need to follow a few steps. First, it is essential to have the mortgage interest certification sent by the bank, as this document provides the necessary information. After opening the pre-filled 730 form, you must select the “Interessi passivi” (Mortgage Interest) section and enter the relevant amounts. Once entered, it is essential to verify that the figures match those reported on the bank’s certificate. Finally, you confirm the declaration and proceed with submitting the pre-filled 730 form. We remind you that it is always advisable to seek assistance from a professional or an authorized center in case of doubt or difficulty.

How much can you get back by entering mortgage interest in the 730 form?

The tax recovery for mortgage interest depends on the taxpayer’s total income and the type of property. For a primary residence, you can deduct mortgage interest up to a maximum of 4,000 euros per year. For example, if you paid 1,000 euros in mortgage interest in a year, you can deduct the full amount. If, however, you paid 5,000 euros, you can only deduct 4,000 euros. Remember, it is a deduction, not a tax credit. You don’t receive money, but you reduce your taxable income, potentially paying less tax. It is always advisable to consult a professional for a more precise and personalized estimate.

When can you not deduct mortgage interest?

You cannot deduct mortgage interest in some specific cases. For example, if the mortgage was taken out to purchase a second home or a rental property, the mortgage interest is not deductible. If the mortgage was used for purposes other than purchasing or renovating a home, you cannot deduct the interest. For example, if it was used to buy a car or pay for personal expenses. Finally, if the taxpayer’s income exceeds a certain limit set by law, the mortgage interest deduction may be limited or eliminated. In any case, it is advisable to consult a professional for personalized advice based on your tax situation.

When is the mortgage interest deduction lost?

The mortgage interest deduction can be lost in several circumstances. If you pay off the mortgage early or sell the property for which it was taken, you can no longer subtract the mortgage interest. If the property for which you took out the mortgage is not your primary residence or you rent it out, you can no longer deduct the mortgage interest. Finally, if the taxpayer’s tax situation changes and their income exceeds the limit set by law for the deductibility of mortgage interest, it will no longer be deductible. Always remember to consult a tax professional to fully understand the implications of your financial decisions.