Tax Benefits of Owning a Home: Breakdown

As a new homeowner or buyer, you may wonder what the tax benefits of owning a home are.  Hi, I’m Krista Mashore with Homes By Krista and eXp Realty.  There are several tax breaks to be aware of when you file your taxes as a homeowner.  So, let’s break down some of them.  Obviously, be sure to verify all of my suggestions with your tax advisor.

#1.Mortgage interest.  The ability to deduct mortgage interest is a significant benefit of owning a home.  Mortgage interest is the interest charged on a loan used to purchase a home.

#2.Property taxes.  As a homeowner, you will pay property taxes on a state and local level but most likely you can take a property tax deduction on your taxes.  This deduction can be very valuable depending on the location where you live.

#3.A  Home office.  Post-pandemic, more homeowners are working from home.  There can be some tax breaks for having an at-home office with your expenses.

#4.Energy-efficient upgrades.  Many energy-efficient home improvements made to your home can qualify you for tax breaks.  This includes energy-efficient appliances, solar, windows, and roofing.

#5.Capital gains exclusion. When you sell your home, you may be able to exclude a certain amount of capital gains from your income. The capital gain is the difference between the sale price of your home and your basis, which is typically the original purchase price plus any capital improvements made to the home. 

#6.Moving expenses. If you move due to a change in your job or business, you may be able to deduct certain moving expenses from your taxes. These can include the cost of transporting your household goods and personal effects, as well as temporary living expenses such as temporary housing and storage.

#7.Private mortgage insurance (PMI). If you put less than 20% down when you purchased your home, you may be required to pay PMI to protect the lender in case you default on your mortgage. PMI is typically a tax-deductible expense for homeowners with an adjusted gross income of less than $100,000.

#8.Home sale exclusion. If you sell your home and make a profit, you may be able to exclude some or all of that profit from your taxable income. To qualify for the home sale exclusion, you must have owned and lived in the home as your primary residence for at least two out of the last five years.

#9.Homeowner insurance premiums. The premiums you pay for homeowner insurance may be tax-deductible if you itemize your deductions. This includes insurance on your home, as well as insurance on any personal property you have inside your home.

#10.Homeowner association (HOA) fees. If you belong to an HOA, the fees you pay may be tax-deductible if they are used to maintain common areas and facilities within the community.

As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of the tax benefits that may be available to you. It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional to ensure that you are taking advantage of all the deductions and credits that you are eligible for.

Tax Benefits of Owning a Home: Summary

Owning a home comes with several tax benefits that can help homeowners save money and maximize their savings. These benefits include the mortgage interest deduction, property tax deduction, capital gains exclusion, energy-efficient home improvement credits, home office deduction, moving expense deduction, rental expense deduction, reverse mortgage interest deduction, homebuyer credit, and gift or inheritance tax exemptions. To take advantage of these benefits, it’s important to consult with a tax professional to understand which ones you are eligible for and how to claim them.

Tax Benefits of Owning a Home: Conclusion

In conclusion, owning a home comes with many tax benefits that can help you save money and maximize your savings. These benefits include the mortgage interest deduction, property tax deduction, capital gains exclusion, energy-efficient home improvement credits, home office deduction, moving expense deduction, rental expense deduction, reverse mortgage interest deduction, homebuyer credit, and gift or inheritance tax exemptions. To take advantage of these benefits, it’s important to consult with a tax professional to understand which ones you are eligible for and how to claim them. Owning a home can be a great financial decision, and these tax benefits can help make it even more rewarding.

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