In this post, you'll learn ...

• Which types of home improvement projects are tax deductible
• Tips on tax deductions for homeowners
• How to qualify for the federal property improvement loan program

As a homeowner, one of the questions that often gets asked is, “Are there tax incentives for my home improvement projects?” Unfortunately, home improvements are not always tax deductible because the IRS considers them personal expenditures. Luckily, there are a few exceptions to this rule.

Home Improvements That Are Tax Deductible

HOME OFFICE

If you currently use or plan to use part of your home to conduct business, you may be able to deduct the expenses related to home office operation. The IRS classifies these expenses as direct, indirect or unrelated. An unrelated expense, such as painting your kitchen, for example, is not deductible.

A direct expense is deductible in full and includes expenses only for the business part of your home. For example, you can deduct the full cost of adding new carpet or changing the paint color in your home office.

Replacing the Carpet in your Home Office
 

• Typical Cost: $150
• Tax Savings: 100%
• Actual Cost: $150

An indirect deductible home office expense is one associated with the general upkeep and maintenance of your entire home. The amount you’ll be able to deduct is based on the percentage of your home that you used for home office repairs. Let’s say that your home office is 200 square feet and your home is 1500 square feet.

Divide your home office space by the total area of your home to get your business percentage. In this case, it’s about 13%. So, if you painted your entire home at a cost of $600, about 13% of that cost would be tax deductible.

Painting Your Entire Home
 

• Typical Cost: $600
• Tax Savings: 13% or $78
• Realistic Cost: $522

You can find more information about home office deductions, in the IRS’ “Business Use of Your Home.”

Renewable Energy Tax Credits

There are several federal tax credits available for residential renewable energy products, such as fuel cells, small wind turbines, solar energy systems and geothermal heat pumps. There are several requirements to take advantage of this credit. To learn more visit the ENERGY STAR® website.

Tips on Tax Deductions for Homeowners

• Keep good records of all expenses associated with your home improvements. Keep all your receipts and documents. If you purchased renewable energy products, you’ll want to save the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement as well as all related receipts.
• Important forms/publications for Home Office Deductions: 8829 and 587, Schedules C or E

The Federal Property Improvement Loan Program

Offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Federal Home Improvement Loan Program helps low- and medium-income households pay for their home improvements. If you are in need of home improvement repairs and qualify, you can request this loan through a private lender. One restriction to keep in mind is that your home improvements must be more substantial than minor repairs or improvements. Again, you won’t be able to finance a new set of French double doors, but if you need to replace your roof, vinyl siding or make structural repairs, then this loan program is a viable option for you.

Ready to start your home improvement project? Give us a call at 1-800-230-8301 or schedule your free, in-home estimate online today.

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