Tax Return Depressing? Owning a Home Could Help

Many Americans got some depressing news this week; either their tax return was not as large as they had hoped or, in some cases, they were told they owed additional money to either the Federal or State government or both. One way to save on taxes is to own your own home.

According to the Tax Policy Center’s Briefing Book -“A citizen’s guide to the fascinating (though often complex) elements of the federal Tax System” – there are several tax advantages to homeownership.

Here are four items, and a quote on each, from the Briefing Book:

1. Mortgage Interest Deduction

“Homeowners who itemize deductions may reduce their taxable income by deducting any interest paid on a home mortgage. The deduction is limited to interest paid on up to $1 million of debt incurred to purchase or substantially rehabilitate a home. Homeowners also may deduct interest paid on up to $100,000 of home equity debt, regardless of how they use the borrowed funds. Taxpayers who do not own their home have no comparable ability to deduct interest paid on debt incurred to purchase goods and services.”

2. Property Tax Deduction

“Homeowners who itemize deductions may also reduce their taxable income by deducting property taxes they pay on their homes.”

3. Imputed Rent

“Buying a home is an investment, part of the returns from which is the opportunity to live in the home rent-free. Unlike returns from other investments, the return on homeownership—what economists call “imputed rent”—is excluded from taxable income. In contrast, landlords must count as income the rent they receive, and renters may not deduct the rent they pay. A homeowner is effectively both landlord and renter, but the tax code treats homeowners the same as renters while ignoring their simultaneous role as their own landlords.”

4. Profits from Home Sales

“Taxpayers who sell assets must generally pay capital gains tax on any profits made on the sale. But homeowners may exclude from taxable income up to $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) of capital gains on the sale of their home if they satisfy certain criteria: they must have maintained the home as their principal residence in two out of the preceding five years, and they generally may not have claimed the capital gains exclusion for the sale of another home during the previous two years.”

Bottom Line

We are not suggesting that you purchase a house just to save on your taxes. However, if you have been on the fence as to whether 2017 is the year you should become a homeowner, this information might help with that decision.

Disclaimer: Always check with your accountant to find out what tax advantages apply to you in your area. 

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5077 E Lonesome Trail Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,175,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,864 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781780

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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18120 W Solano Court Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$1,175,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,241 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6741801

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WELCOME HOME to this breathtaking, 4241 sq ft, custom-built Hacienda style home, in the exclusive gated community of Russell Ranch. Enter the through a rustic arched gateway and take in the private courtyard that features lovely landscaping and a beautiful water feature. The split, open concept floor plan includes high ceilings, exposed wood beams, built-ins. . The kitchen has chiseled granite counters, an island, a large buffet, a gas range, and a spacious pantry. The Primary Bedroom is a cozy retreat that includes a stone fireplace, beautiful built-ins, walk in closet and a stunning tiled bathroom. Bedrooms 2 & 3 each have en suites and walk-in closets. Bedroom 4 would make an ideal craft or exercise room. The den/office is spacious and perfectly situated at the front of the house. The backyard oasis was made for entertaining with a charming Palapa, a built in outdoor kitchen and fire pit. Take a dip into the Pebble Tec pool and spa with three cascading waterfalls and a Baja step. Keep cool on those hot summer days with a pro-grade misting system. The extended 3rd car garage can accommodate a boat and includes dual access doors for easy yard equipment and tool storage. This meticulously maintained home sits on nearly half an acre and is a MUST SEE!

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15439 E Acacia Way Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,175,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,255 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779167

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the epitome of style and comfort in this stunning 2-story sitting on a corner lot in Sunridge Canyon. The main level boasts an expansive open layout perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family. The kitchen is a chef's dream. Custom cabinets with pull out drawers, top of the line appliances with a 5-burner gas stove and granite counters. The kitchen is open to the breakfast area and the great room that features a gas fireplace. The living room is a wonderful retreat for simple unwinding. The spacious master suite with walk in shower, soaking tub and a generous walk-in closet. The other bedroom on the main floor can be an office or second bedroom. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms plus 2 baths. Private backyard oasis. Salt water pool, patio and walking path pavers.

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8989 N Gainey Center Drive Unit 149 Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$1,175,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,048 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779391

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Beautifully remodeled townhome in coveted, guard gated, Gainey Ranch. This MOSTLY SINGLE STORY property features a spacious, open floor plan, ideal for family gatherings and entertaining. The PRIMARY BEDROOM and GUEST SUITE are on the GROUND LEVEL. A third guest suite with private balcony is upstairs. An extremely private back patio overlooks a peaceful greenbelt area, ideal for relaxing after a dip in the community pool/spa which is only steps away. Additional amenities include the Gainey Ranch Estate Club which includes pickle ball courts, tennis courts, a fitness center and an additional pool and spa. Surrounded by a 27 hole golf course and a short distance from Old Town Scottsdale, this is the ultimate in luxury & convenience!

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17304 E Alta Loma Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,175,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,457 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692629

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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13007 W Lowden Road Peoria, AZ 85383

$1,175,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,676 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6710940

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Resort living at its finest in N Peoria. This remarkable home blends luxurious living w serene surroundings, offering a haven of comfort & sophistication. The expansive interiors are bathed in natural light, creating a welcoming ambiance throughout. A chef's kitchen awaits, boasting top-tier appliances, perfect for culinary enthusiasts & entertaining guests alike. Retreat to the spacious bedrooms, each a peaceful sanctuary with tranquil views and walkins. Outside, the meticulously landscaped backyard features a sparkling pool w water slide & 6 person grotto under the waterfall, putting/chipping green, outdoor gym & covered patio, ideal for enjoying Arizona's stunning sunsets. More... Located in a coveted neighborhood, this residence offers convenience w proximity to a rated school You'll find a separate den & game room, providing versatile spaces for work & play. As you make your way upstairs, you'll be delighted to discover a state-of-the-art movie theater room. This bonus room has been transformed into a cinematic oasis, perfect for enjoying your favorite movies w family & friends in the comfort of your own home. One of the standout features of this property is the impressive wine cellar, perfect for wine enthusiasts & connoisseurs. It offers a space to store and display your collection, creating a truly unique & luxurious experience. This luxurious home offers 4 spacious bedrooms, including a magnificent owner's retreat w a well sized sitting room. The highlight of this home is the impeccably customized walk-in closet, designed with the most meticulous taste in mind. Step outside into a resort-style backyard oasis, where you'll be captivated by a sprawling pebble finish heated pool complete w a grotto, waterfall & waterslide. The backyard also features a putting green with a sand trap, catering to golf enthusiasts and adding a fun recreational element to the space. Parking is never an issue with the convenience of a 5-car garage, an extra parking slab and RV Gate, providing ample space for vehicles & storage. Additional features of this remarkable property include new floors throughout, new picture windows, granite and stone features & impressive 20' ceilings. This is a rare find that offers the perfect blend of luxury & comfort. Don't miss the opportunity to own this remarkable property in beautiful Vistancia. Your new home has been lovingly cared for, allowing you to move right in & start creating memories.

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4267 E Weather Vane Road Gilbert, AZ 85296

$1,175,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,521 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786947

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning former model home that combines timeless elegance w/ contemporary upgrades. Step through the custom tile foyer into a sophisticated formal dining room, complete w/a coffered ceiling that adds architectural charm. Designer Chef's kitchen features white maple cabinetry,granite countertops,stainless appliances & generous walk-in pantry. A large center island w/seating is perfect for casual meals or hosting guests. The open living room boasts soaring 25-foot ceilings & impressive built-in cabinetry. Ground floor primary retreat w/spacious bath that includes dual vanities,soaking tub,walk in shower & two walk in closets. 12 ft slider opens the living room to the beautiful backyard w/covered patio & pool. Ascend the elegant spiral staircase to the 2nd floor, where you'll find 4 well appointed bedrooms, each featuring ample closet space. A bonus room and a dedicated media room offer additional flexibility for a home office, gym, or entertainment area.Located in the desirable Morrison Ranch neighborhood, this home offers an incredible living space. This is truly a gorgeous property with too many exquisite details to mention that must be seen to be fully appreciated.

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4497 E Carriage Way Gilbert, AZ 85297

$1,175,000

7 Beds

4.5 Baths

5,816 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744372

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*$110K price reduction* Welcome to this beautiful Toll Brothers basement home in award winning Power Ranch. Offering 7 bedrooms + a den + a loft, 3 car garage and swimming pool with rock waterfall and slide. End the evening by the fireplace in the living room. Entertain or cook for loved ones in the grand kitchen with spacious island with copper island sink, built in double ovens, farm sink and much more. Basement includes two bedrooms, one full bath, game room/family room + storage closet. Main level includes a den, living room, dining room w/ adjacent butler's pantry, family room & the incredible kitchen and breakfast nook, a pantry and laundry room. The top level includes a private primary suite with sitting room, an updated bath with stand-alone tub, walk in shower with gorgeous work, dual vanities and a walk-in closet. Down the hall is a loft with two bedrooms on each side of the loft - and two bathrooms. Enjoy Arizona outdoor living in the pool with new pebble Tec and have fun for hours sliding down the waterslide.

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11044 N 36th Street Phoenix, AZ 85028

$1,175,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,169 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756829

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rare half acre lot in Phoenix! Amazing renovations recently done on this charming 4 bed/2 bath house on enormous lot! Press coffee, the newly renovated Paradise Valley Mall area, all the shops/dining at Tatum & Shea are only minutes away, and direct 51 freeway access is a 2 minute drive from your house. House opens up directly to large living, dining, and kitchen space, perfect for entertaining. Large backyard with mature landscape and plenty of room for entertaining or putting in a new pool. There is a separate office space in the in backyard as well as a large separate garage space with 952 sq/ft that could be turned into an income property, mother in law suite or workshop with separate entrance and private backyard space. Incredibly unique property in the heart of the city.

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6735 E Dove Valley Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,175,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,887 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773699

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

INVESTORS DREAM HOME!!!!! Discover a unique opportunity in Cave Creek with this off-market home at 6735 E Dove Valley Road. Set on a beautiful, expansive lot, this territorial-style property offers stunning desert views and plenty of space to enjoy the tranquility of the area. While the home could use a little TLC, it presents a great chance for someone to make it their own at a competitive price. With its spacious lot and peaceful surroundings, it's a rare find in this area. If you're interested in learning more or scheduling a time to see it in person, feel free to reach out. SW Capitol Hard Money loan ASSUMABLE 792K 1 year, 400K Seller Carryback assumable Call for Detail

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2133 W Tanya Trail Phoenix, AZ 85086

$1,175,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,065 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755847

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Priced to Sell! A $50,000 price adjustment brings this property to an attractive $383.36 per square foot. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to own a highly upgraded, newly constructed home (built in 2022) situated on a spacious one-acre lot with no HOA. This highly sought-after NextGen Builders Prescott floor plan offers an exceptional living experience with its thoughtfully designed layout. The residence features a great room floor plan, encompassing four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and an additional office/den. The home is elegantly appointed with high-end finishes, a chefs kitchen including Wolf & Sub Zero appliances, and exhibits a refined, tasteful design. The backyard is designed for low-maintenance living, complete with a covered patio, generous artificial turf space, ramada, and a large paver pad. Additionally, half of the lot remains a blank canvas, ready for you to add your personal touch.

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3837 N 43rd Street Phoenix, AZ 85018

$1,175,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,010 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739682

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spectacular fully remodeled property (2024) in Arcadia Lite has upscale finishes, an insulated 4-car garage, new HVAC units, versatile outdoor spaces, an oversized lot, and a highly desirable floor-plan. Step inside this organic-modern home filled with natural earth tones and fresh modern elements. The light and airy interior with timeless materials is perfect for entertaining, coupled with a relaxing front AND backyard patio. Pool plans for the yard have been drafted by professionals and are available. The custom-designed kitchen features high-end appliances and fixtures, under cabinet lighting, lots of storage, and a unique wine storage space off the dining area. The gorgeous laundry/pantry room has ample storage, a sink, and quartz countertops. The spectacular primary bathroom has all the right design traits for maximum relaxation and restoration. Out in the spacious backyard you'll find a secluded greenery space including a Hong Kong orchid and citrus, a custom built outdoor kitchen, and a blank slate backyard ready for your touch. A big highlight of the property is the detached 900sf garage that could be converted into a casita or ADU. This is truly a one of a kind property with features you won't find in similar priced homes. PAID OFF solar!

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