Tax Return Depressing? Owning a Home Could Help

Many Americans got some depressing news this week; either their tax return was not as large as they had hoped or, in some cases, they were told they owed additional money to either the Federal or State government or both. One way to save on taxes is to own your own home.

According to the Tax Policy Center’s Briefing Book -“A citizen’s guide to the fascinating (though often complex) elements of the federal Tax System” – there are several tax advantages to homeownership.

Here are four items, and a quote on each, from the Briefing Book:

1. Mortgage Interest Deduction

“Homeowners who itemize deductions may reduce their taxable income by deducting any interest paid on a home mortgage. The deduction is limited to interest paid on up to $1 million of debt incurred to purchase or substantially rehabilitate a home. Homeowners also may deduct interest paid on up to $100,000 of home equity debt, regardless of how they use the borrowed funds. Taxpayers who do not own their home have no comparable ability to deduct interest paid on debt incurred to purchase goods and services.”

2. Property Tax Deduction

“Homeowners who itemize deductions may also reduce their taxable income by deducting property taxes they pay on their homes.”

3. Imputed Rent

“Buying a home is an investment, part of the returns from which is the opportunity to live in the home rent-free. Unlike returns from other investments, the return on homeownership—what economists call “imputed rent”—is excluded from taxable income. In contrast, landlords must count as income the rent they receive, and renters may not deduct the rent they pay. A homeowner is effectively both landlord and renter, but the tax code treats homeowners the same as renters while ignoring their simultaneous role as their own landlords.”

4. Profits from Home Sales

“Taxpayers who sell assets must generally pay capital gains tax on any profits made on the sale. But homeowners may exclude from taxable income up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) of capital gains on the sale of their home if they satisfy certain criteria: they must have maintained the home as their principal residence in two out of the preceding five years, and they generally may not have claimed the capital gains exclusion for the sale of another home during the previous two years.”

Bottom Line

We are not suggesting that you purchase a house just to save on your taxes. However, if you have been on the fence as to whether 2017 is the year you should become a homeowner, this information might help with that decision.

Disclaimer: Always check with your accountant to find out what tax advantages apply to you in your area. 

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27370 W Sierra Pinta Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$478,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,856 SqFt

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EXPANDED SANCTUARY WITH GUEST SUITE ON A HUGE 15,373 SQ FT PRIVATE WALLED LOT! 2 Bed, 2 .5 Bath at 1,856 sq ft, shows like a model. Paver Drive, walkway & large paved courtyard w\mountain views. Inside you'll find 8 ft doors. Kitchen features Quartz counters, backsplash, pendant lights, & walk in Pantry. Owner's Suite w\Quartz counters, modern walk in tiled shower w\seat, dual sinks, & huge walk in closet. Guest room has an en-suite full bath with tub, perfect for guests. There's also a half bath with pedestool sink. Laundry room provides space for a work station. Garage has a 4 ft extension, built in storage cabinets, water softner, insulated door & is plumbed for a sink. The huge backyard has an epoxy patio & is a blank canvas for you to design your own entertainment area or pool

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4307 E Walatowa Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

$478,000

4 Beds

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1,381 SqFt

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MLS # 6648126

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This stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has been beautifully remodeled and boasts a large backyard, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. Located in an adult community for those 55 and over, this home also offers access to a fantastic amenity center with a pool. The home features luxurious quartz countertops, new flooring, and new carpet throughout. Its excellent location near restaurants, beautiful hiking trails, and freeways makes it easy to explore the area and stay connected with the community. This home is sure to impress with its spacious layout, modern finishes, and unbeatable location. Seller willing to assist with closing cost!

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$478,000

2 Beds

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2,156 SqFt

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STEP INTO LUXURY WITH THIS METICULOUSLY CRAFTED HOME THAT HAS BEEN MODIFIED AND ENHANCED TO OFFER AN UNPARALLELED LIVING EXPERIENCE! FROM THE MOMENT YOU STEP THROUGH THE DOOR, YOU'LL BE GREETED BY THE INVITING ATMOSPHERE OF THE PRIVATE COURTYARD, SETTING THE TONE FOR WHAT AWAITS INSIDE. Prepare to be captivated by the sweeping Great Room, perfect for entertaining guests or simply unwinding in style. The Open Kitchen with a spacious Kitchen Island is a chef's dream, boasting recent gorgeous flooring that adds a touch of elegance to every meal. INDULGE IN THE UPGRADED BATHROOMS FEATURING BEAUTIFULLY TILED SHOWERS, ADDING A TOUCH OF SOPHISTICATION TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE. WITH 2 BEDROOMS, INCLUDING A MAIN BEDROOM COMPLETE WITH 2 CLOSETS & A PRIVATE BATH. Call an Agent to see this home today!

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4218 E Del Rio Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$478,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,470 SqFt

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A beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath residence in Ashley Heights is now for sale! Featuring charming curb appeal, a large front yard, and a 2 car garage, it's sure to be the one for you! Inside you'll find a spacious dining & living area w/stylish wood-look tile flooring and neutral palette throughout. Prepare delicious meals in this elegant kitchen, comprised of oak cabinetry w/tile counters, a pantry, recessed & pendant lighting, and a center island. The primary bedroom boasts soft carpet, a walk-in closet, and a private ensuite w/dual sinks. Finally, the expansive backyard w/its covered patio, is the perfect place for spending quality time w/friends & loved ones! Don't wait any longer, act now!

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15236 W Springleaf Way Surprise, AZ 85374

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$478,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,064 SqFt

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MLS # 6612012

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NEW INTERIOR PAINT!! The Valencia II floor plan is beautiful from floor to ceiling, this home offers a spacious, wide-open feeling as you walk through the front door from the front courtyard with privacy wall and aggregate concrete courtyard surface, walk, and drive way. You are welcomed by tile flooring throughout. The spacious living area has an entertainment wall. sound system, floor plug and a view of the backyard. The kitchen has spacious countertops and cabinet storage with lazy susan and some roll out shelves. Refrig and dishwasher 2020. The office has built in cabinets with 2 built desks. Both bedrooms have a 4 foot extension. Covered back patio. The garage is extended and has built in cabinets and work bench.

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$477,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,090 SqFt

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This 4 bed/3 bath with en suite Emerald model shines as brightly as its namesake. An airy, open layout showcases the kitchen, dining room and the great room which leads to the covered patio via double slider center-meet door. This plan is a great option for multi-generational living with the en suite, featuring a living room and a private bed, bath wet bar and lounge area. Included features such as an inviting covered entry, a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a roomy pantry and a center island; an elegant dining room; a spacious great room; an impressive primary suite showcasing a nice shower with bench, generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also features 9 ft ceilings, 8'6 paneled interior doors, additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and beautiful tile flooring in select areas. Located in the fantastic community of Desert Oasis features parks, playgrounds and a community pool. This beautiful home is done right and has so much to offer! COME CHECK OUT THIS GEM TODAY!!!

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10827 W Grant Street Avondale, AZ 85323

$477,995

3 Beds

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Discover this stunning Sunstone home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a private study; a spacious great room overlooking a serene covered patio; a dining nook; a thoughtfully designed kitchen boasting 42'' upper cabinets, quartz countertops, a walk-in pantry, a center island and stainless-steel appliances, including a gas range; a central laundry; and a lavish primary suite showcasing dual walk-in closets and an attached bath. This home also has upgraded stone tile flooring, cultured marble bathroom countertops, ceiling fan prewiring, front yard landscaping and a concrete-paver driveway and walkway.

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$477,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

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2030 E Michigan Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

$477,500

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

1,734 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

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NEW CONTEMPORARY URBAN STYLE COMMUNITY! Ask about Builder Incentives! POOL VIEW! 3 bedrooms, all ensuite, plus powder room. 2 car garage, 2 X6 Construction, Sheared Ext Walls (All plywood wrapped) Spray Foam insulation and insulated garage door for EXTREME ENERGY EFFICIECY! This home is loaded with standard features, beyond everyone else! Bedroom balcony's and first floor patio. 2 Greatroom Balcony's! Quartz or Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, including refrigerator, Luxury Plank Vinyl floors, carpet. Approximately 5 month move-in. Hurry and select additional upgrades! 5 minutes to Loop 101 and 51 Hwy, Mayo, Kierland, Scottsdale Quarter and Desert Ridge! * Community Pool, Fitness Center coming!

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2030 E Michigan Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

$477,500

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

1,734 SqFt

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Property Type Single Family Residence

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21499 N Elba Road Maricopa, AZ 85138

$477,332

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

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Property Type Single Family Residence

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25315 W Bowker Street Buckeye, AZ 85326

$477,210

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,712 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694685

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFUL home ready in Sep/Oct! This home has ALL the space you need!! Need a 4th bedroom with own full bath and walk-in closet downstairs?! Flex room downstairs and half bath for guests too!! Upstairs loft is huge! Large closets! This home has electrical upgrades, soft water loop, and it's a Smart Home! Gorgeous interior with lots of off white/light gray 18''x18'' tile. Stone gray cabinets with hardware, 4''x12'' backsplash and quartz countertops! Wait until you see the oversized kitchen island with breakfast bar and single bowl sink. Three car garage with service door, Smart door opener and keyless entry. Great curb appeal. This home is EVERYTHING!!!

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