Does the IRS know when you buy a house?

When it comes to the question of whether the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) knows when you buy a house, the answer is not as straightforward as a simple "yes" or "no." While the IRS does not have direct access to real estate transactions data, there are certain instances where they may become aware of your home purchase. Firstly, if you use a mortgage loan to finance your home purchase, your lender is required to report the interest you pay on that loan to the IRS. This information, along with your name and address, is typically provided to the IRS annually on a 1098 form. However, this does not explicitly reveal the date of your home purchase. Additionally, if you choose to deduct mortgage interest or property taxes as part of your itemized deductions on your tax return, you will be required to provide details about your home and mortgage, including the purchase date. This information is self-reported and subject to IRS review. In summary, while the IRS does not actively track when individuals buy houses, they may become aware of your home purchase through indirect means such as mortgage interest reporting or your tax return. However, there is no direct system that alerts the IRS every time a real estate transaction occurs.