First-Time Home Buyer

There is a tax benefit to home ownership – the ability to  claim a wide range of expenses including mortgage interest, state and local income or sales taxes or real estate and property taxes, and other expenses such as a disaster loss by itemizing deductions.

Home Owner Deductions 

The following deductions may be available for homeowners:

• Home Mortgage Interest
  As a new homeowner, you can deduct the interest on up to $750,000 of debt incurred to acquire or improve either a primary or secondary residence. The deduction is $375,000 for married couples filing separate returns. 

• Real Estate Taxes
  You can deduct up to $10,000 of the state and local income or sales and property taxes you actually paid to your local tax authority.

• Points
  If you paid points to a borrower to secure a mortgage the cost can be deducted on your tax return.

Itemized Deductions vs. Standard Deductions

Under Tax Reform, the standard deduction for all filers was significantly increased. As a new homeowner, you will have to decide which is the larger – itemizing your deductions or taking the standard deduction.

Mortgage Interest Credit

First time homebuyers may be eligible for the Mortgage Interest Credit designed to help low income purchasers. To qualify, you must meet certain income guidelines and get a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) from your state or local Housing Finance Agency (HFA) before getting a mortgage and buying your home. Purchasers can claim a dollar for dollar tax credit for a portion of the mortgage interest paid per year, up to $2,000.