Real Estate Trisha Cook April 15, 2025
Some people that may not be savvy with purchasing real estate tend to think of homeownership as one big expense. And I get it, between mortgage payments, maintenance, insurance, taxes… the list seems never-ending. But what often gets overlooked is the way your home can pay you back when tax season rolls around.
If you're a homeowner, you may be sitting on deductions and credits that could reduce your taxable income, boost your refund, or soften the blow of what you owe. Here's how to take full advantage of that financial upside.
Let’s break down the most common tax perks homeowners may qualify for:
You can deduct interest paid on your mortgage for up to $750,000 of debt ($375,000 if married filing separately). This can be a major write-off in the early years of your mortgage when interest makes up most of your monthly payment.
You can deduct up to $10,000 in combined state and local property taxes (or $5,000 if filing separately). Just make sure you're itemizing your deductions to claim it.
If you’re self-employed and use part of your home exclusively for business, you may be able to deduct a portion of your home expenses—like utilities, rent or mortgage interest, and internet.
Made any upgrades like new insulation, windows, or solar panels? The IRS offers credits of up to 30% of the cost for qualifying improvements.
So how does owning a home really stack up when tax season hits? Here's a quick breakdown of how renters and homeowners compare when it comes to tax benefits.
Renters:
Pay monthly rent with no long-term return
Can’t deduct property taxes
Limited or no tax benefit for a home office
Any upgrades or improvements benefit the landlord
No equity building or tax-based advantages
Homeowners:
Mortgage payments may offer a mortgage interest deduction
Can deduct up to $10,000 in state and local property taxes
Home office deduction available for self-employed individuals
May qualify for energy efficiency tax credits (up to 30%)
Build equity over time plus tax advantages
Before you file, here’s what to gather and review:
Form 1098 – From your lender; shows how much mortgage interest you paid
Property tax statements – Track what you paid through the year, save your statements or download from your local city or county sites
Receipts for home improvements – Especially energy-efficient upgrades!
Home office documentation – Square footage, utility bills, and business use records
Closing documents – If you bought or sold a home in the past year
Records of energy credits claimed – For multi-year upgrades (like solar)
Owning a home can absolutely pay you back if you know where to look. And while this gives you a solid head start, your situation may involve additional savings opportunities.
Buying an investment home has it's own advantages, such as cost segregation & bonus depreciation that can save you a lot of money as well.
I've always said this and 100% believe in it: real estate is still the BEST investment you can make if you make that investment wisely! And, it's the only investment you can also LIVE in!
Talk to a tax pro before you file, especially if you sold your home, worked from home, or made major upgrades last year. And reach out to us to help find you your next real estate investment!
Sources: IRS
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