This year Randy paid $28,000 of interest (Randy borrowed $450,000 to buy his residence, and it is currently worth $500,000). Randy also paid $2,500 of interest on his car loan and $4,200 of margin interest to his stockbroker (investment interest expense). How much of this interest expense can Randy deduct as an itemized deduction under the following circumstances?
a. Randy received $2,200 of interest this year and no other investment income or expenses. His AGI is $75,000.
b. Randy had no investment income this year, and his AGI is $75,000.