Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American dream, offering stability, a sense of belonging, and the potential for building wealth. To encourage homeownership, the U.S. tax code provides various deductions and credits, including the ability to deduct interest on certain types of loans secured by your home. Among these is the option to deduct equity loan interest, a benefit that allows homeowners to save money come tax season. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of equity loan interest deduction, outlining what it is, how it works, and the eligibility criteria.
Understanding Equity Loan Interest Deduction
Equity loan interest deduction refers to the ability of homeowners to deduct the interest paid on loans secured by their homes’ equity. Home equity is the difference between a home’s current market value and the outstanding balance on the mortgage. Homeowners can tap into this equity through loans such as home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). These loans are often used for purposes like home improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 brought significant changes to the rules surrounding the deduction of home equity loan interest. Before the TCJA, homeowners could deduct the interest on home equity loans regardless of how the funds were used. However, after the TCJA, the rules were modified to limit the deductibility of home equity loan interest.
Read More: Can You Deduct Your Home Equity Loan Interest?
Eligibility Criteria for Deducting Equity Loan Interest
Secured Debt Requirement: To qualify for the equity loan interest deduction, the loan must be secured by the home itself. This means that the home serves as collateral for the loan. Therefore, unsecured personal loans do not qualify for this deduction.
Loan Purpose: Post-TCJA, the interest on home equity loans can only be deducted if the funds are used to “buy, build, or substantially improve” the home that secures the loan. This typically refers to improvements that increase the home’s value, like adding a new room, renovating a kitchen, or building an addition.
Loan Limits: Another important aspect is the total loan amount. Under the TCJA, the combined total of the original mortgage and the home equity loan or HELOC must not exceed $750,000 for married couples filing jointly, or $375,000 for individuals filing separately.
Fair Market Value: The total amount of outstanding mortgage debt, including both the original mortgage and any home equity loan, must not exceed the home’s fair market value.
Use of Proceeds: It’s important to maintain clear records of how the funds from the equity loan were used. Documentation is vital to ensure that the purpose of the loan aligns with the tax-deductible criteria.
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Bottom Line
The ability to deduct equity loan interest provides homeowners with a valuable tax-saving opportunity. While the rules surrounding this deduction were altered with the implementation of the TCJA in 2017, the fundamental principle remains: homeowners who use their home equity to make substantial improvements can benefit from tax deductions on the interest paid on equity loans.
As with any tax-related matter, it’s crucial to consult a tax professional or financial advisor to ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria and maximize your potential deductions while staying compliant with current tax laws.
