Potential tax benefits for homeowners

Owning a home costs money, but there are tax benefits available to help homeowners save on some of common costs of homeownership. You can help your clients with a review of the tax deductions, programs, and housing allowances to see if they are eligible for any of the benefits.

Deductible house-related expenses

Most home buyers take out a mortgage to buy their home and make monthly payments to the mortgage holder, which may bundle other home-related costs.

• Taxpayers must itemize their deductions to deduct homeownership expenses.
• The costs the homeowner can deduct are:
  • State and local real estate taxes, subject to the $10,000 limit.
  • Home mortgage interest, within the allowed limits.

Homeowners can’t deduct any of the following items:

• Insurance, including fire and comprehensive coverage, and title insurance.
• The amount applied to reduce the principal of the mortgage.
• Wages paid to domestic help.
• Depreciation.
• The cost of utilities, such as gas, electricity or water.
• Most settlement or closing costs.
• Forfeited deposits, down payments, or earnest money.
• Internet or Wi-Fi system or service.
• Homeowners’ association fees, condominium association fees, or common charges.
• Home repairs.

Mortgage Interest Credit

The Mortgage Interest Credit helps people with lower income afford homeownership. Those who qualify can claim the credit each year for part of the home mortgage interest paid. A homeowner may be eligible for the credit if they were issued a qualified Mortgage Credit Certificate from their state or local government.

Ministers and military housing allowance

Ministers and members of the uniformed services who receive a nontaxable housing allowance can still deduct their real estate taxes and home mortgage interest. They don’t have to reduce their deductions based on the allowance.

More information

• Publication 530, Tax Information for Homeowners
• Publication 936, Home Mortgage Interest Deduction