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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6181 S Granite Drive Chandler, AZ 85249

$639,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,008 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781646

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll love this 2 bed, 2 bath PLUS den home in the lovely 55+ gated Lone Tree Community! There's so many upgrades you won't want to miss! The great room area allows for relaxed living & easy entertaining with the upgraded kitchen open to the dining & family room. The kitchen offers 42 in painted gray cabinets, custom tile backsplash, granite counters, gas cooktop, reverse osmosis & stainless appliances. The kitchen also has pull-out drawers in cabinets for easy access & a large pantry. The main bedroom is a true retreat with a luxurious ensuite bath complete with dual vanity with upgraded quartz counters, vessel sinks, newer lighting & faucets & feature wall. The large walk-in closet is not to be missed! The guest bedroom is oversized & comfortably fits a king bed. It's split from from the master & is adjacent to the guest bath with upgraded vanity featuring a vessel sink, granite counter & upgraded lighting. The office/den could be a 3rd bedroom & offers plenty of space for your needs. Step out back & relax in your beautiful back yard with covered patio, nice landscaping & upgraded Shasta pool - a perfect place to cool off. This pool is heated & cooled & can be fully run from your phone app! The laundry is fabulous as it is oversized & offers loads of cabinets, a sink & quartz counters. Upgraded engineered hardwood flooring throughout all the common areas, plantation shutters throughout, two-tone paint & more! All this plus a 2-car garage complete with heated & cooled workshop area! Hurry to view this property - this won't last long!

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20654 E Avenida Del Valle -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$638,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,474 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781616

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6781616 January Completion! The Cambridge is a single-story floor plan at Ellsworth Ranch Landmark, offering 2,474 sq. ft. of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and an exercise/flex room. The welcoming porch greets you at the front of the house. Upon entering, the foyer leads you down a hallway with secondary bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms on one side and a laundry room on the other. Continuing straight, you'll arrive at the spacious, open kitchen, great room, and dining area—a space sure to capture your heart. Structural options include: alternate extended laundry with drop zone in lieu of tandem. This home sale includes a washer and dryer!

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14205 W Mauna Loa Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$638,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

4,068 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722668

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

** Priced to sell - $19,100 price reduction ** Gorgeous corner lot home has everything you've been looking for! Enjoy a 3-car garage, stone accents, RV gate & a cozy front patio. Welcoming interior features wood-look tile flooring, bountiful natural light and pre-wired surround sound. Spacious living/dining room and great room are ready for entertaining. Fabulous kitchen includes recessed lighting, a plethora of white cabinets with crown molding, a walk-in pantry, SS appliances, stylish tile backsplash and a center island. Romantic grand suite boasts plush carpet, an impeccable ensuite with dual sinks and a large walk-in closet. The resort-style backyard will make you feel like you're on vacation everyday with a refreshing pool and rock waterfall. Tour it today!

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18501 E Avenida Del Ray -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$638,500

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,513 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751012

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your Dream Desert Retreat Awaits—and the seller is highly motivated to make it yours! Step into this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath sanctuary, ideally located in the peaceful, 55+ Rio Verde Country Club community. Enjoy beautiful, low-maintenance desert landscaping featuring seven mature palm trees and a delightful variety of fruit-bearing trees, including lemon, pink grapefruit, and orange. This gorgeous property combines elegance and practicality, offering you a slice of paradise with motivated sellers ready to welcome new owners. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to secure your place in this serene, sought-after community. Enjoy a bright and airy open layout adorned with brand-new premier laminate plank tile and freshly painted interiors and exteriors. The living and dining areas feature a charming beehive fireplace and a beautiful skylight that fills the space with natural light. The well-equipped kitchen, complete with oak cabinets for ample storage, also offers breathtaking views of Four Peaks, making it a delightful space for both cooking and entertaining. The home boasts two spacious master suites, providing luxurious comfort and privacy. The primary suite features plush Berber carpet, direct outdoor access to a private patio, and a spa-like bathroom with dual sinks, a jetted tub, and a walk-in closet. Throughout the home, you will find an abundance of closet space, ensuring every item has its place. Set on a spacious lot of over 15,200 sq. ft., this home is perfect for entertaining, surrounded by mature citrus trees and beautiful desert landscaping. Enjoy hosting on the open patio or dining al fresco by the outdoor fireplace, all while immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of nature. Act quickly, as this stunning home is priced to move and won't be on the market for long! Seize the opportunity to own this gem in the sought-after Rio Verde Country Club community, offering breathtaking views, exceptional comfort, and boundless charm. Here, you're not just purchasing a home; you're embracing a whole new lifestyle!

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3285 E Phelps Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$638,500

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,485 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728325

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This charming single-level home offers 2,485 sq ft of comfortable living space. The split floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a den. The spacious master suite features an upgraded shower and tub, double sinks, a private toilet room, and a large walk-in closet. The kitchen, perfect for entertaining, boasts granite countertops, an island, and a generous walk-in pantry, all opening up to a welcoming great room. All windows have elegant white shutters. A tandem three-car garage provides ample storage space. Outside, the backyard has a built-in firepit, turf, and recently painted exterior and block walls. With North/South exposure, this home is perfectly positioned near freeway access, San Tan Mall, shopping, and a variety of restaurants.

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4315 S 123rd Avenue Avondale, AZ 85323

$638,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,622 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6680632

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

10' ceilings, 8' doors and large, energy efficient windows allowing in an abundance of natural light highlight this gorgeous 4 bed, study, 3.5 bath open plan in Alamar. Enjoy trying new recipes in the gorgeous gourmet kitchen boasting painted 2-tone, shaker style cabinets, quartz countertops and GE stainless steel appliances with gas cooktop and large hood vent. Designer-selected finishes include upgraded tile flooring, carpet and pad, custom backsplash and accent lighting. Escape from a long day to the large owner's retreat boasting a tiled walk-in shower, soaking tub, and huge walk-in closet. Other features include 2-tone paint, 12' sliding glass door to the covered outdoor area and a large finished, turf backyard. 2x6 construction. Welcome home.

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12324 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$638,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,624 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693670

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

10' ceilings, 8' doors and large, energy efficient windows allowing in an abundance of natural light highlight this gorgeous 4 bed, 3.5 bath open plan with enclosed study in Alamar. Enjoy trying new recipes in the gorgeous gourmet kitchen boasting painted 2-tone, shaker style cabinets, quartz countertops and GE stainless steel appliances with gas cooktop and large hood vent. Designer-selected finishes include upgraded tile flooring, carpet and pad, custom backsplashes, and accent lighting. Escape from a long day to the large owner's retreat boasting a tiled walk-in shower, soaking tub, and huge walk-in closet. Other features include 2-tone paint, 12' sliding glass door to the covered outdoor area and a large backyard. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; NEW HOME WARRANTY. Welcome Home.

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895 S Accuracy Way Tonto Basin, AZ 85553

$638,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

3,000 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769352

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning custom home is a dream come true. The kitchen features two walk-in pantries and a modern-style island with bar stools. The master bedroom has a large walk-in closet, and there's a very spacious laundry room with extra storage cabinets. You'll love the cozy fireplace. The property also includes a 4-plus car garage with a built-in bar and AC. Additionally, the entire property is completely fenced and offers amazing mountain views!

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17550 S Thunder Ridge Drive Peeples Valley, AZ 86332

$638,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,582 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761342

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

YOU'LL FEEL LIKE YOU'RE LIVING ON VACATION! Gorgeous home in beautiful Peeples Valley, AZ on 4.8 acres with stunning, panoramic views. Tongue & groove ceiling, a wood burning fireplace and rough sawn wood beam add rustic charm while plentiful amenities bring modern conveniences. Split floor plan boasts an oversized owner's suite, secondary bedrooms w/ Jack & Jill bathroom & a much desired powder room for guests. Finished loft offers addt'l flex space, as does the separate garage room. Open Kitchen w/ abundant cabinets. French doors & windows provide fantastic natural light & picturesque views of the landscape. Loads of storage both in the home, as well as in the 39 x 39 garage. This garage is a standout! CLICK 'MORE INFO' for a list items which convey and additional important information! 3,000 gallon water storage is already plumbed for a 2nd tank and conveys. Chicken coop, raised garden beds convey. You'll be all set to launch your mini farming op! ** NEW SOLAR SYSTEM will be paid off at close of escrow. ** NO HOA! Agents, see back notes for full list of items which convey / don't convey. This home is truly turnkey and ready to go. Peeples Valley boasts blue skies, fresh mountain air and 4 mild seasons. Close to Prescott, Wickenburg and Phoenix. Agents live in area. ** Check out the video in slide 2 of the PHOTOS TAB. **

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4220 N 32nd Street Unit 39 Phoenix, AZ 85018

$638,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,487 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741865

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Introducing the epitome of modern patio home living in the heart of Arcadia - welcome home to the Arcadian Phoenix. Nestled in the coveted 85018 area code, these modern townhomes redefine living with their spacious floor plans and an array of amenities. Step inside to discover a haven of elegance, boasting 10-foot ceilings on the main living floor and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The gourmet kitchen seamlessly merges with the inviting family room, creating the perfect setting for both everyday living and entertaining. Revel in the exquisite finishes, featuring stunning cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, and timeless stainless steel appliances. Experience true architectural brilliance with the inclusion of a charming Juliet balcony

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4616 E Peak View Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$638,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,743 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6762545

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous Ryland Home in desirable Tatum Ranch! This sought after floor plan has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, large living spaces and a 2-car garage. A feeling of spaciousness is created by the vaulted ceilings and lots of natural light. Travertine floors complement the main living areas. The open concept kitchen boasts a large island, a casual eating area, beautiful granite counters, tile backsplashes and stainless-steel appliances. Kitchen area flows seamlessly into the family room which has a built-in entertainment center. At the end of the day, one can retreat into the relaxing environment of the main bedroom with high ceilings, an all-tile walk-in shower, double vanity area and large closet. The nice-sized backyard is an oasis with an updated pool and north/south exposure. A must see!!!

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28428 N 65th Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

Open House

$638,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,184 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780195

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come by and tour this weekend! Virtual tour available. Beautiful Maracay home located in Summit at Boulder Mountain North. This fabulous home features a 3 car wide garage plus a 4th tandem garage with full access door to the back yard. Downstairs guest bed/office and full bath on the main level. Walk in closets in generous secondary bedrooms. Extended covered patio. Kitchen boasts beautiful cherry cabinets, granite kitchen counter tops , SS steal appliances , double oven and gas cooktop with brushed nickel fixtures. Virtual tour available please request the link.

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