We do not provide tax advice – the potential tax benefits of homeownership may or may not apply to you based on your specific tax situation. Always check with a tax professional to confirm what deductions and/or credits you may be eligible for.
Owning a home is like having a child. It’s a lot of work and responsibility, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences in life. However, just like having a child, owning a home comes with significant financial responsibilities, including taxes. In this article, we’ll talk about the potential tax benefits of homeownership that you may be entitled to. Buckle up, and let’s dive into it!
Understanding the Potential Tax Benefits of Homeownership
We all know about the property taxes and mortgage payments that come with owning a home, but did you know that there are other tax implications? Here are some of the most common ones:
- Property Taxes: Ahh, property taxes, a tax we all dread paying. Property taxes are based on the value of your home and the tax rate in your area. The good news is that property taxes may be deductible from your federal income tax return, so at least you could get some relief.
Property taxes can be a substantial expense for homeowners - the average property tax bill in the U.S. was $3,719 in 2020, according to Attom Data Solutions.
- Mortgage Interest Deduction: If you’re a homeowner, you may be able to deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage from your federal income tax return. This deduction can help reduce your taxable income, which means you could pay less in taxes. Yay!
The mortgage interest deduction can be significant - in 2020, the average deduction was $12,200, according to the IRS.
- Home Office Deduction: Have a home office? Good news! You may be eligible for a home office deduction. This deduction allows you to deduct a portion of your mortgage interest, property taxes, and other expenses from your federal income tax return.
- Capital Gains Taxes: When you sell your home, you may be subject to capital gains taxes. Capital gains taxes are based on the profit you make from selling your home. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and you may be able to exclude some or all of the gain from your taxes.
- Green Home Improvement Tax Deductions: If you make eco-friendly improvements to your home, you may be eligible for additional tax deductions. For example, if you install solar panels or a geothermal system, you may be able to deduct a percentage of the cost from your federal income tax return. Saving the planet and saving money? Yes, please!
- Green Home Improvement Rebate Opportunities: Besides tax deductions, some states and utility companies offer rebates for making energy-efficient upgrades to your home. These rebates can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average annual electricity consumption for a U.S. residential customer was 10,649 kWh in 2020, and the average annual natural gas consumption was 416 therms. Homeowners who make energy-efficient improvements could potentially save a significant amount of money on their utility bills as well as potentially claiming tax benefits for the improvements.
- Home Equity Line Options and Deducting Interest: If you need to make major repairs or renovations to your home, you can consider taking out a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). The interest on your HELOC may be deductible from your federal income tax return. Just make sure you don’t go overboard and are considering renovations that are wise, given the value and location of your home.
The Zahn Group works with real estate buyers and sellers in the Charlotte, NC metro area and in upstate South Carolina. We primarily service the South Charlotte area. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you with your real estate needs.