If GOP scales back the mortgage interest deduction, Californians would be hit hardest

WASHINGTON - For decades, the ability to deduct the interest on a home mortgage has been one of the most untouchable sacred cows of the tax code.

It is particularly revered in Los Angeles and other areas with high real estate prices, where the annual tax savings can be the difference between being able to afford a house or continuing to rent.

Now, Republicans crafting legislation to overhaul the federal tax system and cut rates are considering placing new limits on the home mortgage interest deduction.

And thousands of Californians could feel the pain.

The move comes as GOP lawmakers and Trump administration officials already have proposed killing another break - the deductibility of state and local taxes - that benefits California residents more than those in any other state.

No one is talking about totally eliminating the deduction for mortgage interest. It has powerful backers in real estate agents and home builders, who maintain that such a move would cause a sharp downturn in the housing market and hurt broader homeownership efforts.

But Republicans have to target some significant tax breaks to help offset