Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

Even though owning a home comes with some significant expenses, some of them are tax-deductible. With many people looking for ways to lower their income tax, there are a few expenses tied to the house that every homeowner should consider. This could make a significant difference in their final tax bills, and it could lead to a large tax refund.

Home Repair Costs

There are a lot of people who need to make repairs to their houses during the course of the year. In particular, if you have recently purchased a house, you may need to do a bunch of repairs before you move in. Be sure to save any receipts tied to these home repairs, as many home repairs can be tax-deductible. For example, if there is a giant hole in the floor that you need to fix, this could be deductible on your taxes. 

Interest on a Mortgage 

At the end of the year, your lender should give you a document specifying all the interest you have paid on the mortgage. Generally, the first few payments of your mortgage are almost all interest. Then, the last few payments just before the mortgage is paid off are almost entirely principal. Mortgage interest is tax-deductible, and the lender should give you a statement totaling the interest you have paid during the course of the year.

Property Taxes 

When the lender drafts the monthly payment out of your account, this should include property taxes as well as your monthly mortgage payment. Your property taxes may also be deductible on your taxes. Therefore, take a look at the statement given to you by the lender. See if there is a line for the total amount of property tax you have paid. This could add up to a few thousand dollars, and it could be tax-deductible.

Work With a Tax Professional

These are just a few of the many expenses tied to a house that a homeowner might be able to claim on their taxes. Anyone who is interested in claiming tax deductions related to a house should reach out to a tax professional who can help them. That way, everyone maximizes the amount of money they save on their taxes.

April 15th seems a long way off, but it will be here before you know it.

Now is the perfect time to start getting your paperwork in order.

Owning real estate can make a big difference on your tax return, so make sure that you’re taking advantage of all the deductions you’re entitled to.

We’ve outlined a few below:

Mortgage Interest

Unless you paid cash for your purchase, you probably took out a loan to buy your Birmingham home.

Mortgage interest is one of the best tax deductions available, so be sure to hang on to that 1098 Mortgage Interest Statement from your lender.

You can almost always deduct the entire amount of interest paid per calendar year.

Real Estate Taxes

Depending on where your property is located, you are likely paying real estate tax, either to the state or to a local governing authority.

Taxes based on property value are generally deductible as well. You may have an escrow account to hold these funds during the year, so be sure that you only deduct the amount of taxes you actually paid.

Home Equity Line of Credit

You may deduct home equity line of credit (HELOC) debt interest as long as you are legally liable to pay the interest, the interest is paid in the tax year, and the debt is secured by your home.

The home equity debt has a limit of up to $100,000 ($50,000 if married filing separately).

Mortgage Insurance Premiums

Depending on how your loan is structured, you may have mortgage insurance. With the recently passed American Tax Relief Act of 2012, all mortgage insurance premiums are tax deductible for the 2012 and 2013 tax year. There are some qualifications, so check with your tax advisor.

Mortgage Interest on Land

If you purchased land with the intent to build, the interest you have paid may qualify as deductible mortgage interest as long as the structure becomes your qualified residence within a 24-month period.

This deductibility of bare land mortgage interest is a tricky one. You can see the IRS explanation here.

Your home could be one of your greatest resources for reducing your tax liability. Most times these deductions are itemized on a Schedule A (Form 1040) when you prepare your taxes.

A great next step is to call a qualified tax planning professional.  Please feel free to contact us if you would like a referral.