The average annual payment for a 30-year fixed mortgage is $3,759 at 7.17% interest rate. However, the IRS allows homeowners to take advantage of the mortgage interest deduction.
This deduction enables homeowners to deduct the interest paid on their mortgages from their taxable income. It’s a valuable tax break that makes buying a house more affordable. Houzeo can simplify this process by helping you find suitable mortgage lenders.
What Is a Home Mortgage Interest Deduction?
Home mortgage interest deduction is a tax benefit for homeowners. It lets you deduct the interest you pay on your home loan from your taxable income.
This deduction applies to interest on loans used to buy, build, or improve a primary residence or secondary home. The interest you pay on this loan each year can be significant. Government offers the mortgage interest deduction to help make homeownership more affordable.
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What Is the Mortgage Interest Deduction Limit?
In 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) made big changes to mortgage interest deduction guidelines. These changes put stricter limits on how much you can deduct.
| Tax Filing Status | Before Dec 16, 2017 | After Dec 15, 2017 |
| Joint filing | $1,000,000 | $ 750,000 |
| Individual filing | $500,000 | $ 375,000 |
How Can You Claim Mortgage Interest Deduction?
To claim the mortgage interest deduction, you need to follow the steps below:
1. Obtain Form 1098 From Your Lender
Your lender provides you with Form 1098, which reports the total mortgage interest you paid during the tax year. You’ll need this form to claim the deduction accurately.
2. Choose to Itemize Deductions
When you file your tax return, you must opt for itemizing deductions rather than taking the standard deduction. Itemizing allows you to claim specific deductions, including mortgage interest.
▶️ Checkout Tax Deductions You Can Use As A Homeowner
3. Complete Schedule A (Form 1040)
Schedule A is the tax form used to list your itemized deductions. On line 8A, you’ll enter the mortgage interest amount from your Form 1098. This will reduce your taxable income.
4. File Necessary Documents
Depending on your mortgage type, you’ll need to file different forms along with your Form 1040:
- For mortgages on your primary residence, file Schedule A and Form 1040.
- For a rental property, report the interest on Schedule E.
- If it’s for a home office or business purpose, use Schedule C.
5. File Your Tax Return
After completing the required forms (Form 1040 and any additional schedules), review them for accuracy, sign them, and submit your tax return to the IRS. You can e-file or mail in your return.
- ✍️ Note: Only claim itemized deductions like mortgage interest if your total exceeds the standard deduction amount.
How to Calculate Tax Deduction on Mortgage Interest?
Let’s consider a scenario where your taxable income is $60,000. You purchased a home with a mortgage of $200,000 at an annual interest rate of 4%. Throughout the tax year, you paid $8,000 in mortgage interest.
Now, let’s see how this affects your tax return assuming a tax rate of 20%:
| Scenario | Without Mortgage Interest Deduction | With Mortgage Interest Deduction |
| Income | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Itemized Deductions | $0 | $8,000 |
| Taxable Income | $60,000 | $60,000 – $8,000 = $52,000 |
| Estimated Tax Owed (20%) | $12,000 | $10,400 |
By claiming this deduction, your taxable income is reduced by $8,000. This results in a potential tax saving of $1,600.
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What Qualifies as Mortgage Interest Tax Deductible?
- Primary and Secondary Home Loans: You can deduct interest on loans secured by your primary residence and one additional home. This includes loans taken out to buy the house or as construction loans.
- Home Improvement Loans: Interest on loans used for substantial home improvements that add value to your property or prolong its life qualifies for deductions. This does not include routine maintenance.
- Refinanced Loans: If you refinance your mortgage, the interest on the new loan qualifies for the deduction. This applies as long as the principal does not exceed the original loan amount. Any additional amount used for home improvements also qualifies.
- Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit: Interest on home equity loans or lines of credit is deductible if the loan is used to buy, build, or improve your home.
- Mortgages for Rental Properties: If you have a loan on a rental property, the interest is deductible but not on your tax return. Instead, it’s reported on Schedule E (Form 1040).
- Mortgage Points: Prepaid interest in the form of mortgage points you have paid can be deducted, either in the year of payment or over the loan’s life.
- Other Deductible Interest: Several other types of interest payments can also qualify as mortgage interest deductions:
- Late payment charges on your mortgage.
- Prepayment penalties incurred due to early loan payoff.
- Interest paid before selling your home (deductible for the period before the sale, even if it occurs during the year).
What Do Not Qualify as Mortgage Tax Deductibles?
Here’s a quick rundown of some common costs that don’t qualify for this deduction:
- Principal payments of your mortgage
- Title Insurance
- Homeowners Insurance
- Mortgage insurance premiums
- Closing costs
- Deposits, down payments, or earnest money
- Interest on Reverse Mortgages
Bottom Line
Mortgage interest deduction lets homeowners save money by deducting the interest paid on home loans from their taxable income. This leaves you with a higher disposable income and makes buying a home more affordable.
To take advantage of this deduction, you must itemize your deductions on your tax return. The deduction limit is $750,000 for loans after December 15, 2017, and up to $1 million for loans before that date. By lowering your taxable income, this deduction can lead to significant tax savings.
You explore platforms like Houzeo to find your dream home and streamline your buying process. This will help you maximize your savings and benefit from mortgage interest deductions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is mortgage interest deductible?
Yes, mortgage interest is deductible on your federal income tax return if you itemize your deductions. This deduction applies to interest paid on loans used to buy, build, or improve your primary residence or a second home.
How much mortgage interest can I deduct?
The amount you can deduct depends on when you took out your loan and the loan amount. For loans taken out after December 15, 2017, you can deduct interest on up to $750,000 of the loan.
» Maximum Mortgage Interest Deduction: Check out additional criteria here.
How does the mortgage interest deduction work?
The tax deduction for mortgage works by allowing homeowners to subtract the interest they pay on their mortgages from their taxable income. To claim the deduction, you need to itemize your deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040.
