3 Common Tax Deductions for California Homeowners

This article will explain and list the most common and best tax deductions for California homeowners.

1. Mortgage Interest Deduction

Mortgage interest is tax-deductible, but this year the deduction has been adjusted. The deduction is limited to interest on up to $750,000 of debt ($375,000 if you’re married filing separately) instead of $1 million of debt ($500,000 if married filing separately).

2.Property Tax Deduction

Property taxes are generally still tax-deductible, but this year the deduction is subject to a total cap of $10,000, which includes property taxes plus state and local income taxes or sales taxes paid during the year ($5,000 if married filing separately).

3.HELOC Tax Deduction

You can only deduct HELOC interest only if you used the HELOC money “to buy, build or substantially improve the taxpayer’s home that secures the loan,” according to the IRS. In other words, if you used the money to improve your house, you can probably deduct the amount.

4. Itemized vs Standard Deduction

The standard deduction increased dramatically to $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for joint filers. The effect is that a married couple filing jointly would probably need to have more than $24,000 in itemized deductions — those related to owning a home and any others as well — in order to make itemizing the better route financially.

Individuals and homeowners who’s deductions are larger than the standard deductions are the only tax payers that should consider itemizing their deductions.

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If you are looking for a better accounting or tax experience, we invite you to see the Robert Hall & Associates difference for yourself. Call us at 818.583.8524 or fill out our contact us form to schedule a free consultation.