Refinance Tax Deductions: Cost Deductions and Claimable

» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.

What Is A Refinance Tax Deduction?

A refinance tax deduction refers to certain expenses related to refinancing a mortgage that may be eligible for tax deductions. These deductions can help homeowners reduce their taxable income and potentially lower their overall tax liability.

Common refinance tax deductions include mortgage interest, points, and certain closing costs. It’s important to consult with a tax professional or refer to the current tax laws to understand the specific deductions available and any eligibility criteria or limitations.

2021 Refinance Tax Deductions

In 2021, some common refinance tax deductions included:

1. Mortgage Interest Deduction: Homeowners can generally deduct the interest paid on their mortgage, including mortgage interest from refinanced loans, up to certain limits. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 placed a cap on the mortgage interest deduction for loans taken out after December 15, 2017, limiting it to interest on up to $750,000 of qualified mortgage debt ($375,000 for married individuals filing separately).
2. Points Deduction: If you paid points or origination fees to obtain a refinanced mortgage, you may be eligible to deduct those costs over the life of the loan. Each point typically represents 1% of the loan amount.
3. Closing Cost Deductions: While most closing costs are not directly deductible, some expenses paid at closing, such as prepaid interest, property taxes, and mortgage insurance premiums, may be eligible for deduction.

It’s important to note that specific eligibility criteria, limitations, and changes in tax laws may apply. To accurately determine your eligibility for refinance tax deductions and ensure compliance with current regulations, it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or refer to the official guidelines provided by the tax authorities in your country.

Mortgage Interest Deduction

The mortgage interest deduction is a significant tax benefit for homeowners. It allows eligible taxpayers to deduct the interest paid on their mortgage loans, including those obtained through refinancing, from their taxable income.

The deduction helps reduce the overall tax liability, potentially resulting in significant savings. However, there are limits and eligibility criteria to consider. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 capped the mortgage interest deduction for loans taken after December 15, 2017, at $750,000 of qualified mortgage debt ($375,000 for married individuals filing separately).

Mortgage Interest For Standard Rate And Term Refinances

For standard rate and term refinances, the mortgage interest deduction follows the same rules as the original mortgage. If you refinanced your mortgage without taking any additional cash out and only modified the interest rate and/or term, you can generally continue to deduct the interest paid on the refinanced loan.

The deduction is subject to the limitations set by the tax laws, such as the cap on mortgage interest for loans taken after December 15, 2017, as mentioned earlier. It’s important to consult with a tax professional or refer to the current tax laws for specific details and eligibility criteria regarding mortgage interest deductions for refinances.

Cash-Out Refinance Interest Deduction

The interest deduction for cash-out refinances allows homeowners to deduct the interest paid on the portion of their mortgage used for qualified purposes, such as home improvements or acquiring, constructing, or improving the property.

However, if the cash-out funds are used for other purposes, the interest on that portion may not be deductible. Consult with a tax professional or refer to current tax laws for specific eligibility and limitations.

Discount Points Deductions

Discount points, which are prepaid interest paid at closing to lower the mortgage interest rate, may be eligible for tax deductions. Generally, discount points paid in connection with the purchase or improvement of a principal residence are deductible in the year paid.

The deduction is typically spread out over the life of the loan. Specific criteria and limitations apply, so consulting with a tax professional or referring to the relevant tax laws is important for accurate information.

Deductions On Closing Costs For A Rental Property

Deductions on closing costs for a rental property can include certain expenses related to the acquisition or improvement of the property. These deductions are typically claimed over time as part of the property’s depreciation.

Eligible closing costs may include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, and legal fees directly related to the purchase or improvement of the rental property.

However, it’s important to note that not all closing costs are deductible for a rental property, and the deductibility can vary based on local tax laws and the nature of the expenses. Consulting with a tax professional is recommended for accurate guidance tailored to your specific situation.

How Long After A Refinance Can I Claim A Tax Deduction?

After refinancing a mortgage, you can typically start claiming the tax deductions associated with the refinance in the same tax year. The deductible expenses, such as mortgage interest and points, are reported on your annual tax return for the year in which you made the payments.

For example, if you refinanced your mortgage in 2022, you would generally claim the applicable tax deductions on your 2022 tax return, which is typically filed in 2023.

It’s important to keep accurate records of your refinancing costs and consult with a tax professional or refer to the specific tax laws in your country to ensure that you are correctly claiming the deductions and meeting any eligibility criteria or limitations that may apply.

Final Thoughts

You can typically claim tax deductions related to a mortgage refinance in the same tax year as the refinance.

However, it is important to maintain accurate records, consult with a tax professional, and adhere to specific tax laws and regulations for proper deduction eligibility and reporting.

Find Your New Home With Houzeo

With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of homes for sale on Houzeo.