Now that the New Year has arrived, we’re all looking for ways to make improvements in our lives, from getting fit to reexamining our finances to remodeling that horrid 1970s-style bathroom. If you’re planning to make any improvements to your home this year, here are some things you need to know about home upgrades and their tax implications.*
Repair vs. Improvement: What’s the Difference?
In order to take advantage of tax breaks associated with home renovations, it’s important to know the difference between a repair and an improvement. The IRS defines a repair as anything that’s necessary to keep your home in good condition but doesn’t necessarily add to its value. An improvement is anything that prolongs the useful life of your home and has the potential to increase its resale value. If you want to take advantage of the available tax perks, your project needs to fall under the home improvement category. You can learn more about the difference between repairs and improvements on IRS Publication 523 or by reaching out to your tax advisor.
Tax Breaks for Home Improvements
So, if your project qualifies as a home improvement, does that automatically mean it’s tax deductible? Not necessarily. In fact, home improvements are generally not tax deductible. However, there are some exceptions and other kinds of tax breaks that may apply to you, including:
Whether you’d like to increase your home’s resale value or simply want to improve your living space, home renovations can be a valuable investment. Just be sure to keep the above information in mind before starting any project in order to maximize your tax savings.
