Tax Deductions

Here is a question which is often asked about real estate sales: which home loan fees are deductible for income tax purposes? It is good to know the answer to this question before you sign on the dotted line. It may influence which loan you will choose. Loan fees for certain services are not itemized on your fee statement, but are grouped together into a single category.

The most obvious deductible fee is the loan fee paid to acquire a mortgage for a principal residence. The IRS recently ruled that the buyer could deduct the fee in the first year, even if the seller paid it! Other deductions include pro-rated property taxes and mortgage interest. On these items, the buyer may only deduct their share.

Most of the other closing costs are not deductible, but you may add them to your home's adjusted cost basis when calculating appreciation. Among these costs are appraisal, attorney, and inspection fees, as well as title, recording and notary fees. Fire insurance fees are neither deductible nor do they figure into the cost basis. If you are not sure which fees are deductible, consult a professional tax advisor.

	About You
* Your Name:
* Your Email Address:
Your Street Address:
City:
State/Province:
Country:
Zip/Postal Code:
Phone:
	Additional Info
Ask Your Question Here!
Send Latest Listings:	What is this?
Send Latest News:	What is this?

*Please note that fields marked with an asterisk are required.

Quick Response Guarantee > Your Privacy Is Guaranteed > Free & Without Obligation >

Real Estate Tips First Time Buyers >A Realistic Evaluation Your real estate agent's job is to find you the perfect home, in the right location, with all the amenities you want--and at the right price. It is the home inspector's job to find any skeletons in the closet -- or in the plumbing, wiring, roof, basement and beams. The inspector won't pass or fail a home based on what he or she finds, but will go over the house thoroughly to help you understand the condition of the property you are buying. If there are any serious problems, your inspector can give you a realistic idea of how much the repairs will cost. If there are material defects that were not reflected in the asking price, you will have the opportunity to re-open negotiations with your sellers before you commit to the purchase. A good inspector will also explain the operation of the basic emergency systems such as the main water cut off valve and the circuit breaker box, and will go over items that will need routine maintenance. If you are buying a house, we recommend that you make a professional home inspector part of your home purchase team. See All Tips In The "First Time Buyers" Category > See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories > Real Estate Trivia Q  What site discovered in 1965 is considered the world's oldest known habitation? A  The Terra Amata site in Nice, France has the remains of 21 huts belonging to the Acheulian culture from 400,000 years ago. See More Real Estate Trivia >